L3 is considered the apex of the lumbar lordosis and the most mobile of the lumbar vertebrae, making it and the adjacent discs susceptible to degenerative change. L3 disc pathology classically affects the quadriceps and knee reflex.
| Articulations |
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|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | As per lumbar vertebra pattern. |
L3 is the middle lumbar vertebra and the site of the lumbar lordosis apex. L2-L3 disc herniation compresses the L3 root producing medial thigh pain and quadriceps weakness. Lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis most commonly affect L5 but can occur at L4 and less commonly L3.
The long L3 transverse processes are the most commonly fractured in the lumbar spine after direct blows or violent muscle contraction; these are stable but may signal renal or abdominal injury.
Herniation at this level compresses the L4 nerve root, causing anterior thigh and medial leg pain, quadriceps weakness, and a reduced knee jerk.
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