Importance of screening in physical therapy: vertebral fracture of thoracolumbar junction in a recreational runner

What is it about?

Running is one of the most popular sports worldwide. Studies suggest that 11%-85% of recreational runners have at least one Running Related Injuries (RRIs) each year, resulting in a reduction or interruption of training. High risk of RRIs represents an important inconvenience counterbalancing its beneficial effects of running. RRIs primarily affects joints of lower limb and lumbar spine. Noteworthy, in some cases, the clinical presentation of signs and symptoms is confusing and may hide serious conditions, thus clinicians have to pay special attention when potential factors arise such as the presence of red flags. As reported in this case report, patients can present with Low Back Pain (LBP) as a primary problem mimicking a red flag such as a fracture of the spine. The aim of this case report was to describe a case of a recreational runner presenting with LBP as the sole symptom of an underlying thoraco-lumbar fracture.

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