[Secondary aortic rupture as an unusual complication of fracture of the lumbar vertebrae].

Report on a case of acute vital complication of a conservatively treated lumbar vertebra fracture. Nine days after traumatic fracture of the first lumbar vertebra a 62-year old patient suddenly suffered from haemorrhagic shock caused by a minor rupture of the abdominal aorta. Before this dramatic event there were no symptoms pointing to this severe complication. Aetiology, diagnosis and therapy are discussed.