Lumbar Spine Trauma Imaging

The lumbar spine is highly flexible in the sagittal directions, making it susceptible to flexion and extension forces, with the thoracolumbar junction being the most vulnerable area. Fracture of the lumbar spine can occur whenever forces applied to the lower spinal column exceed the strength and stability of the spinal column unit (see the images below). Common injuries resulting in fractures of the lumbar spine include fall from a height; motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents; and penetrating trauma, including gunshot wounds and stabbings. Fractures of the pelvis often are associated with injury to the sacral plexus and the lower lumbar spine. ^{[1, 2]}

The goals of the diagnostic radiologist in lumbar spine trauma imaging are to identify lumbar spine fractures correctly, to identify and correlate neurologic injury to vertebral fractures, to advise the surgeon (who best defines the extent of injury to supporting structures), to gauge the risk to the spinal cord, and to judge the stability of postoperative fixation. ^{[3, 4]}   Plain radiography is the mainstay of diagnostic evaluation of low-energy trauma patients, but computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in polytrauma and equivocal cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming increasingly important in the assessment of  both discoligamentous integrity and intraspinal condition. ^[1]

CT is the imaging modality of choice in cases of acute trauma to determine the bony abnormalities, and MRI is the choice to evaluate ligamentous injuries. MRI can also provide information on epidural hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cord compression, and cord transections. In addition, any neurologic deficits should be evaluated with MRI. If lumbar fractures are identified, the patient should be assessed for visceral injuries. ^[2]

Both CT and MRI have direct input in classifying fractures according to the AOSpine classification. The morphologic classification is based on 3 main injury patterns: type A (compression), type B (tension band disruption), and type C (displacement/translation) injuries. All C‑type spinal injuries are considered unstable, regardless of the type and severity of vertebral malalignment. Injuries to the anterior and posterior ligamentous complex are also considered to interfere with stability (B-type injuries). ^{[1, 5, 6]}  

Vertebral body fractures are traditionally classified based on how many of the 3 columns are involved. Fractures that involve 2 or more columns are considered unstable. The anterior column comprises the anterior longitudinal ligament and the anterior half of the body; the middle column consists of the posterior half and the posterior longitudinal ligament; and the posterior column consists of the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments, ligamentum flavum, and facet joints. ^[2]

Clinical details

The etiology for osteoporotic spinal fractures is most commonly related to age. Lumbar spinal fractures occur in children of all ages, and fractures in children are often associated with other serious injuries. The fracture patterns may involve more than one spinal level. ^[3]   Lumbar spinal fractures secondary to osteoporosis are more common in older women. However, other conditions that may contribute to demineralized bone density include pituitary insufficiency and the medical administration of glucocorticoids. ^{[7, 8]}

The treatment of lumbar compression fractures that are secondary to osteoporotic bone changes has increasingly emphasized the role of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. The outcomes of such treatment are helpful in the management of pain. Secondary complications related to these procedures have been reported, including infection and embolization of the injected plastic. ^[9]

Postsurgical imaging must consider the appearance and the position of posterior pedicle screws, which are often used to stabilize lumbar spinal fractures. The long-term value of posterior spinal fixation compared to other means of stabilization remains controversial. Malposition of pedicle screws and the mechanical failure of pedicle screws have been reported. ^{[10, 11]}

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis includes the following:

• Chance Fracture
• Lumbar Disc Disease
• Lumbar Spine Fractures and Dislocations
• Lumbar Spondylosis
• Nerve Entrapment Syndromes
• Neurosurgery for Cauda Equina Syndrome
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta
• Spinal Cord Abscess
• Spinal Instability and Spinal Fusion Surgery
• Thoracic Spine Fractures and Dislocations
• Vertebral Fracture

Imaging modalities

A general outline for the evaluation of acute multiple trauma involving the spine is shown below.

Most patients receive primary care and triage via the emergency room. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs should be obtained in most patients suspected of lumbar injury. The 2-view radiographic series is simple to perform with a minimal delay in providing other essential care. A possible exception is the patient who is ambulating independently and complaining of back pain after a motor vehicle collision. ^{[1, 2]} In a retrospective study that included 1110 such patients, Tamir et al found that no lumbar and thoracic spine radiographs were positive for a fracture or dislocation. ^[12]

Oblique views are useful if the AP and lateral views demonstrate scoliosis or a questionable defect of the posterior spinal elements. Flexion and extension views are helpful if subluxation is detected or if a chronic injury may be present.

In patients with compression fracture, the anterior height of the vertebral body is diminished, whereas the posterior height generally remains within normal limits. There is no subluxation of vertebral bodies in a simple compression fracture. The anterior compression is less than 40% unless a burst fracture is present, as shown in the images below.

After conventional radiography, CT is the primary means used to depict the posterior elements, which is necessary to exclude posterior instability and vertebral body deformity. CT scans are better in depicting the spinal canal and in estimating the degree of neural compromise. ^[1] In a burst fracture, CT best demonstrates posterior spinal element involvement, as shown in the image below.

A study comparing plain radiography with CT for assessing thoracolumbar burst or compression fractures found that although plain radiographs are qualitatively acceptable, especially with experienced observers, radiographs are inadequate for quantitative assessment—in particular, they tend to underestimate vertebral body comminution—and that treatment planning requires the addition of CT scanning. ^[13]

Axial CT scans fail to demonstrate subtle horizontally oriented injuries of the vertebral bodies, pedicles, or laminae. Also, axial CT scans may not depict minimal vertebral body compression fractures. The use of frontal and sagittal reformation, together with thin primary imaging sections, can overcome most of these limitations, as shown in the images below.

Although not yet at the point of clinical application, traumatic vertebral body fracture detection software has been reported. The software digitally strips the vertebral body cortex and looks for fractures in the cortical shell and is able to differentiate isolated Denis anterior column fractures (eg, compression-type fractures) from combined anterior and middle column fractures (burst type). The system has demonstrated 92% sensitivity for fracture detection and localization of the correct vertebra, with a false-positive occurrence rate of 1.6 per patient. ^[14]  

Many patients who present with lumbar spine injury have pulmonary, rib, or vascular injury. The expense and delay of obtaining routine CT scans of the lumbar spine are not justified. A review of the bone windows of thoracic and abdominal CT scans reveals most major deformities that are associated with Chance fracture, distraction injury, and burst vertebral fractures. More complex injuries can be studied later if necessary, but multisection CT studies can be reformatted to examine the lumbar spine in a lateral (sagittal) view. The use of MRI in spinal trauma should be linked to neurologic examination or unexplained severe spinal pain.

Advances in dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) have enabled the direct visualization of bone marrow abnormalities through creation of virtual noncalcium (VNCa) images. Petritsch et al reported that VNCa images had an overall sensitivity of 64%, a specificity of 99.3%, an accuracy of 93.9%, a positive predictive value of 94.1%, and a negative predictive value of 93.8% for detection of traumatic bone marrow edema (BME) in patients with vertebral compression fractures. ^[15]  In a meta-analysis evaluating the diagnostic performance of DECT for the detection of BME in patients with vertebral compression fractures, sensitivity was 82% and specificity 98%. ^[16]

MRIs of the lumbar spine provide information that is not available with CT scans. Early in an injury, T1-weighted spin-echo (SE) axial and sagittal images may demonstrate the high signal intensity related to acute hemorrhage, including the rare complicating epidural hemorrhage. Both T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images demonstrate the high signal intensity associated with edema of bone marrow fat. ^{[17, 18, 19]}

Gradient-echo T2-weighted images best outline the shape and structure of the vertebral body and the posterior spinal elements. These MRIs are superior to CT scans for the detection of a posttraumatic herniated disk, ligamentous edema, and spinal cord compression. Gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) contrast enhancement should be used in patients with suspected metastatic disease and septic spondylosis, diskitis, or osteomyelitis, as shown in the image below.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents have been linked to the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD). The disease has occurred in patients with moderate to end-stage renal disease after being given a gadolinium-based contrast agent to enhance MRI or MRA scans. NSF/NFD is a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease. Characteristics include red or dark patches on the skin; burning, itching, swelling, hardening, and tightening of the skin; yellow spots on the whites of the eyes; joint stiffness with trouble moving or straightening the arms, hands, legs, or feet; pain deep in the hip bones or ribs; and muscle weakness.

Occult injury associated with lumbar vertebral body compression may be better assessed by using nuclear medicine bone scanning than with other techniques. Technetium-99m hydroxydimethylpyrimidine (HDP) is most commonly administered for this test. Chronic injuries demonstrate moderately increased activity, whereas acute fractures usually demonstrate a focally increased activity.

The use of paraspinal ultrasonography is usually limited to the localization of pleural effusions, which may occur after significant upper lumbar spine and chest wall injury. In selected patients, ultrasound may localize paraspinal abscesses prior to aspiration. Because of the proximity of the kidneys and ureters to the lumbar spine, the sonographic findings may indicate perinephric hemorrhage or urinary obstruction. The primary findings of soft tissue swelling and possible hemorrhage are not specific to lumbar trauma. Masses, urinary leaks, and perispinal abscess may have sonographic findings similar to those of paraspinal hemorrhage.

Limitations of techniques

Radiographs may not clearly demonstrate the posterior spine elements, and excluding a Chance fracture can be difficult. Lumbar spine radiographs demonstrate the general outline of the vertebral bodies, the interspaces, and some of the supporting soft tissues; however, lumbar radiographs do not demonstrate acute disk herniations or minimally displaced spinal fractures. Lumbar spine radiographs are very limited in the evaluation of obese patients because of x-ray beam attenuation and scatter.

Axial CT scans may fail to depict subtle horizontally oriented injuries of the vertebral bodies, pedicles, or laminae. Axial CT scans also may miss minimal vertebral body compression fractures. The use of frontal and sagittal reformation, together with thin primary image sections, can overcome most of these limitations. The resolution of MRIs used in the detection of spinal fractures is limited. Although gradient-echo and T1-weighted SE images outline fractures better, minimally displaced fractures are difficult to see.

Although nuclear medicine bone scans are sensitive to the processes that destroy or injure bone, a positive area of increased uptake on a bone scan is not specific for fracture. The fracture may not be detectable for as long as 72 hours after an injury. The resolution of fracture outlines is poor with nuclear medicine studies. Large osteophytes and intervertebral disk narrowing with vertebral endplate sclerosis may appear as areas of increased activity on standard nuclear bone scans.

CT scans of the lumbar region may help in making the diagnosis if the results of a bone scan are positive. MRI is most effective in the identification of neoplasm and osteomyelitis. ^[20]

Standard radiographic views are AP, lateral, and oblique. AP radiographs are obtained with the patient supine. The patient's knees are flexed to reduce lumbar lordosis. The x-ray beam is directed toward the central abdomen over the umbilicus and the iliac crests. When a lateral lumbar radiograph is obtained, the patient lies on either side with the knees and hips flexed. The x-ray beam is directed toward the body of the L3 vertebral body. Radiographs in the oblique view are obtained with a 45° rotation, with the central beam directed toward the L3 vertebral body.

(Radiographic images of spinal traumatic injuries are shown below.)

In the AP view, the interpedicular distances are noted to increase from L1 to L5. On the lateral view, the vertebral body of L1 is often slightly anteriorly wedged without buckling of the anterior cortex or condensation of endplates. Soft tissue swelling may indicate a fracture even if the fracture is not directly visualized. Structures that are best seen on the oblique views include the transverse process and pedicle on the dependent side and the pars interarticularis.

Burst fracture, which is one of the more serious injuries to the lumbar spine, is usually easily detected on standard radiographs of the lumbar spine. In the lateral view, criteria for instability include a greater than 50% loss of vertebral body height, a greater than 20° angulation of the thoracolumbar junction, neurologic injury, and a canal narrowing of greater than 30%. Early surgical repair is indicated for such an injury, because additional compression of the fracture and more severe neurologic injury can be expected if the patient attempts weight bearing without surgical fixation. The normal thoracolumbar spine junction has a 0° angle between the T12 and L1 levels.

Another common injury pattern involves an avulsion injury to the transverse and/or spinous processes. Fractures of the lower lumbar transverse spinous processes associated with an unstable pelvic fracture may indicate injury to the sacral plexus. Fractures of transverse processes may be associated with visceral trauma as well.

Oblique views of the lumbar spine are useful in the evaluation of spondylolysis of the pars interarticularis. The so-called Scottie dog configuration may demonstrate a defect in the "neck" of the dog-shaped configuration in patients with spondylolysis.

In patients who have undergone operative repair of the spine, radiography is the modality most commonly used for postoperative imaging. ^[21] CT and MRI may be useful postoperatively, but metal devices used for the repair may cause artifacts on MRI imaging.

In patients with chronic pain or potential instability after surgical stabilization, standing flexion-extension lateral radiographs are useful for detecting spondylolisthesis. Flexion-extension maneuvers are well within the normal range of motion of most patients after spinal fusion. After the initial healing period of 12-24 weeks, moderate flexion-extension movements are safe. Instability and subluxation indicate a primary failure of the fusion surgery. All initial attempts to evaluate weight bearing should be monitored and limited by pain or the onset of neurologic complaints.

False positives/negatives

Common false-positive signs of fracture in the lumbar region occur because of superimposed bowel gas and un-united secondary ossification centers. A limbus vertebra is a small accessory bone noted superior and anterior to the vertebral endplate; it is not associated with acute trauma. Unilateral sacralization of L5 may suggest a fracture on AP and oblique radiographs.

The best interobserver agreement can be obtained by measuring from the superior endplate of the vertebral body one level above the injured vertebral body to the inferior endplate of the vertebral body one level below. False-positive findings can result from previous (chronic) kyphosis due to osteoporosis or prior injury. Kyphosis after trauma is best compared by using prior lateral radiographs if they are available.

In the case of a pars interarticularis defect, ^[22] anterior-posterior movement occurs along the plane of 2 related vertebral endplates. This is most common at the L5-S1 levels. Although the resulting deformity is considered to be a developmental defect, it may be mistaken for an acute injury pattern. A false sign of spondylolysis may result from the wrong radiographic angulation. The oblique lateral view should be obtained by using a 15° cephalic angulation. Occasionally, severe degenerative disease of the facet joints will result in instability and a moderate spondylolisthesis; this pattern may also resemble acute injury.

Thin-section axial CT scanning with a bone algorithm is the single most sensitive means by which to diagnose fractures of the lumbar spine. Routine helical CT scans of the lumbar spine are valuable because multisection CT scanners can generate high-resolution spinal images, even during a primary multisystemic evaluation for trauma. Because of the high incidence of associated multisystemic trauma, routine computed tomography of the abdomen, pelvis, and lumbar spine has been advocated in blunt trauma. Compared with an algorithm utilizing CT in selected cases, an algorithm with routine CT finds substantially more clinically relevant diagnoses. ^{[23, 24]}

(Traumatic injuries of the lumbar spine are displayed in the CT images below.)

Good-quality CT images can be used to identify more lumbar spine injuries than conventional radiographic studies; however, the percentage of clinically important spinal fractures seen in the lumbar region on CT scans and not seen on radiographs is lower than that of similar studies of cervical spinal fractures. Most of the fractures missed on radiographs are spinous process fractures, transverse process fractures, and fractures in large patients.

With the introduction of multisection CT scanners, a careful evaluation of the lumbar spine is possible in all patients without performing a specific examination tailored to the lumbar area.

In general, the appearance of fractures on CT scans demonstrates injuries similar to those on radiographs of the lumbar spine. As a result of its superior contrast definition and the absence of superimposed structures, CT imaging of the spine is highly effective and accurate in the diagnosis of fractures.

The confidence level for the diagnosis of a lumbar spine fracture with 2-mm axial sections (possible with a multisection CT unit) is greater than 98% and has been reported to be 99%. Because axial CT is performed with patients in a neutral position, bony distraction of the fracture fragments and subluxations of the spinal articulations may not be as significant on CT images as on an acute trauma series of radiographs.

The level of a burst fracture and the percentage of spinal canal stenosis have been correlated with an associated neurologic deficit. A significant correlation exists between neurologic deficit and the percentage of spinal canal stenosis. Injuries to the T12 and L1 spine pose a greater probability of neurologic deficit. This observation may be related to the smaller canal diameter in the thoracic-lumbar spinal junction. The severity of neurologic deficit cannot be predicted.

Gross found that the reformatting of chest CT and abdominopelvic CT scans provided improved sensitivity in the detection of thoracic and lumbar spine fractures in trauma patients. There were 9 of 176 false-negative abdominopelvic CT scans versus 3 of 176 false-negative lumbar spine CT scans; and there were 14 of 175 false-negative chest CT scans versus 2 of 175 false-negative thoracic spine CT scans. According to the authors, the differences in sensitivity were significant for both comparisons. ^[25]

Associated injuries, including acute lumbar disk herniations, are usually well depicted on CT scans of the lumbar spine. Paravertebral bleeding and the presence of foreign bodies are also easily detected by using CT. In addition to other acute spinal and visceral injuries, the application of whole body CT in the setting of acute trauma may discover other unrelated serious medical conditions.

A significant number of trauma patients evaluated with multiple-level CT are diagnosed with potentially serious incidental findings. Neoplasms of the brain, lungs, liver, kidney, and breast have been identified on CT scans performed for trauma. For long-term care and medicolegal concerns, patients need to be informed of these incidental findings. Many of the conditions need further evaluation. ^[26]

Degree of confidence

The confidence level for the diagnosis of a lumbar spine fracture with 2-mm axial sections (which is possible with a multisection CT unit) is reportedly 99%. When present, traumatic lumbar spine disk herniations are detected in 85-92% of cases.

Because axial CT is performed with the patient in a neutral position, bony distraction of the fracture fragments and subluxations of the spinal articulations may not be as significant on CT images as on acute trauma series radiographs.

False-positive results may occur in patients with a Schmorl node, which is a chronic internal herniation of the vertebral disk into the lumbar vertebral body endplate and failure of the fusion of the anterior vertebral endplate epiphysis.

False-negative CT studies may occur in chronic stress injury and severe generalized osteoporotic endplate fractures. A posttraumatic disk herniation may be undetected in large patients and in patients who have undergone prior lumbar spine surgery.

Spinal MRI is a highly effective means for detecting and evaluating lumbar spine trauma. Images are obtained in multiple projections. With a 1.5-T MRI unit, both T1-weighted SE techniques and T2-weighted FSE techniques are performed. ^{[27, 28, 29, 17, 18, 19, 2]}

(Lumbar spine traumatic injuries are displayed in the magnetic resonance images below.)

Lumbar spine MRIs can demonstrate many vertebral fractures and most abnormalities of alignment. The patterns of injury are similar to those demonstrated on radiographs. MRI is superior to both radiography and CT in the detection of soft tissue injury to the ligaments, facet capsules, and the prevertebral spaces. MRI is unique in its ability to detect epidural bleeding and spinal cord injury. Injury to the lower thoracic cord is particularly critical because such injury may result in paralysis. However, MRI has fewer line pairs of resolution than does CT, which makes MRI a secondary method for fracture evaluation.

Gradient-echo sagittal T2-weighted MRI of the spine demonstrates compression fractures by showing the cortical bone as dark (black), whereas the T2-weighted quality shows cerebrospinal fluid and spinal cord edema as bright (white). Subacute hemorrhage in the spinal cord or in the epidural space may be seen as a susceptibility area of lost signal intensity. With a T2-weighted gradient-echo technique, the cortical break can be demonstrated in some fractures. MRI is superior to CT in the identification of the indirect signs of a fracture, such as paraspinal edema or hemorrhage, epidural bleeding, and sprains of the paraspinal and intraspinal ligaments.

Paraspinal soft tissue injury and posttraumatic disk herniation are best depicted by using MRI.

Spinal MRI may also be useful in predicting the development of Schmorl nodes and vertebral endplate compression fractures. The fraction of the vertebral body composed of fat increases with age. MR spectroscopy demonstrates an increased fat fraction in abnormally weak vertebral bone. MRI findings of bone weakness are more common in older patients with abnormally high fat fractions than in others. ^[30]

In a study by Hanson et al, whole-spine MRI successfully determined the number of lumbar-type vertebral bodies in 750 of 762 (98%) patients. Of these outpatients, 1 in 5 did not have 5 lumbar-type vertebrae: 14.5% had 6; 5.3% had 4; and 1 patient had 3. Hanson et al reviewed high-speed, whole-spine MRIs to determine variations in lumbar spine anatomy. The authors noted that variations from typical lumbosacral anatomy may cause confusion and may potentially lead to clinical errors. In addition, they suggested that, when necessary, supplementary coronal MRs, Ferguson view radiographs, or intraoperative fluoroscopic determinations for lumbosacral transitional vertebrae may be used to gather more information for clinical treatment or surgical planning. ^[31]

Degree of confidence

Lumbar spine MRIs can demonstrate many vertebral fractures and most abnormalities of alignment. MRI is superior to CT in the identification of indirect signs of a fracture such as precervical edema or hemorrhage, epidural bleeding, and sprains of the paraspinal and intraspinal ligaments. Associated injuries to intracranial structures are evaluated better by using MRIs than by using CT images.

False-positive MRI results are often associated with movement artifacts of metal near the site of injury. Blood vessel canals may mimic bone injury. The use of upper cervical and intracranial MRA may help differentiate certain vascular variations.

False-negative findings may result from motion on the part of the patient. Artifacts related to implanted metal may mask spinal fractures. In older patients or in patients with known neoplastic disease, a pathologic fracture should be considered. In these patients, MRI with Gd-DTPA enhancement can demonstrate a spinal mass or osteomyelitis. MRI has a lower overall resolution than that of CT scanning. With T2-weighted gradient-echo sequences, the cortical break can be demonstrated in some fractures; however, even with adequate MRI technique, minimally displaced fracture lines may not be visible on MRI.

Patients who underwent prior lumbar surgery should be examined after the intravenous injection of contrast agent to differentiate between an epidural scar and a recurrent herniated nucleus pulposus.

Nuclear medicine studies have a limited role in the acute phase of lumbar spine injury; however, in patients with a possible congenital anomaly, these studies can differentiate an acute fracture from failure of an epiphyseal endplate to fuse.

After 24 hours, a bone scan obtained by using technetium-99m HDP generally demonstrates increased uptake in the area of a fracture. A delay of as long as 72 hours may be necessary to identify some fractures. Later in the clinical course, persistent back pain may be caused by a nondisplaced facet injury or pedicle fracture, which is also associated with an area of increased uptake. After surgery or in open spinal fractures, diskitis and osteomyelitis can be identified as focal areas of increased activity by using ^99mTc HDP or gallium-67 citrate. Indium-111–tagged white blood cells act as a more specific agent in the detection of abscess and osteomyelitis; however, the sensitivity of this method depends on the nature of the infectious organism.

Degree of confidence

In the absence of prior surgery, radionuclear bone imaging is fairly sensitive but not specific for spinal trauma. If bone scans are needed, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging should be used in all patients with suspected spinal trauma.

The presence of fixation plates, wires, and screws makes the assessment of postoperative spinal injury difficult. In all patients, the tomographic qualities of SPECT improve both the accuracy and specificity.

Many false-positive findings can be expected in older adults. Osteomyelitis, diskitis, metastatic disease, degenerative spondylosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis may result in abnormal findings in the spine that are not directly related to acute trauma. In the young child, variations of spinal development may mimic acute injury.

False-negative results may occur in the first hours after acute trauma. If possible, 72 hours should be allowed to pass before attempting nuclear bone scan of the lumbar spine. Also, false-negative results are fairly common with In-111 WBC scans, and an approach involving a combined bone-gallium scan is preferred.

Angiography plays a limited and indirect but critical role in assessing lumbar spine injury. After a gunshot wound to the back, injuries to the aorta and the proximal great vessels are best evaluated by using angiography. Flank pain may be the result of bleeding or hydronephrosis. New higher-resolution CT angiography makes catheter angiography less essential. The evaluation of injury to the major vessels is routinely performed during the assessment of patients with multisystemic trauma.

The higher resolution of digital subtraction angiography results in excellent image quality. Rarely are other vascular images necessary. Angiography typically is reserved for possible interventional repair of arterial injuries and for patients in whom the diagnosis is uncertain.

Standing waves may mimic vascular injury with spasm. In the older adult, arteriosclerotic vascular disease may mimic spasm. Lumbar arteries may be in spasm at the time of an examination, preventing localization of a bleeding site.