Unexpected bilateral pedicle stress fractures of the lumbar spine

Bilateral fracture of the lumbar pedicles is a rare phenomenon that may arise secondary to underlying risk factors. Our case demonstrates bilateral pedicle stress fractures arising in an otherwise healthy 41-year-old male. After failing to respond to conservative measures, he was managed with bilateral pedicle screws. Our patient did not report any incidence of trauma, but he did engage in amateur weightlifting – we suspect that this was the cause of his fractures.