[Paraparesis following stable L4 burst fracture Possible correlation with preexisting degenerative stenosis of the spinal canal].

A patient with degenerative stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal developed paraparesis of both legs following a stable L4 burst fracture. However, neither the stenosis nor the fracture have caused a significant narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgical decompression and dorsal stabilization has led to relief of the neurological deficit. This case demonstrates that even a stable burst fracture may cause paraparesis and that a degenerative spinal canal stenosis is a predisposing factor.