Burst fractures are associated with widespread damage to the vertebra.
In this patient, there is expulsion of bone fragments of L3 into the spinal column on the lateral view. On the AP view, there is obvious lateral displacement, but one should also note the wide distance between the pedicles.
Click on the x-rays to enlarge.
Fig 1: Burst fracture, lateral view | Fig 2: Burst fracture, AP view |