Referred Pain to the Abdomen from L1-L3 Compression Fractures

Neuroanatomical Basis for Referred Abdominal Pain

• The L2 nerve root has been identified as a key pathway for referred pain from L3 or L4 vertebral compression fractures to the abdomen, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1, 2

Treatment Implications

• An L2 nerve root block is a recommended option for treating pain associated with L3 or L4 vertebral compression fractures, suggesting the importance of addressing neural pathways in managing referred pain, as recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1, 2
• Thoracic epidural analgesia may be considered for patients with traumatic rib fractures and could potentially help with thoracolumbar compression fractures as well, as suggested by the American Heart Association and the Society of Critical Care Medicine 3, 4