J Korean Orthop Assoc.  1989 Jun;24(3):977-981. 10.4055/jkoa.1989.24.3.977.

As a Cause of Myelopathy in the Lower Thracic Spines ): Two Cases Report

• Kim NH
• Han DY
• Kang SS

• KMID: 2445326
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.1989.24.3.977

Abstract

Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) has been recognised as a definite clinical entity as an ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. It has been known that the incidence of OLF is high in Japan and OLF usually occurs in the thoracic and lumbar region. Recently OLF has received considerable attention as a cause of myelopathy. OLF is quite distinct from "hypertrophy" of the ligamentum flvum. We experienced 2 cases of OLF with neurological symptom, which were treated by decompressive laminectomy and removal of the ossified ligamentum flavum. So remarkable symptomatic improvement was obtained.

Keyword

Ligamentum flavum; Ossification

MeSH Terms

Incidence
Japan
Laminectomy
Ligamentum Flavum
Longitudinal Ligaments
Lumbosacral Region
Spinal Cord Diseases*
Spine*