Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum.
- Author:
Dong Ki AHN
1
;
Song LEE
;
Sang Ho MOON
;
Kyung Hwan BOO
;
Byung Kwon CHANG
;
Jae Il LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Ossification of ligamentum flavum; Treatment; Prognostic factors
- MeSH: Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Decompression; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Imaging; Gait; Humans; Ligamentum Flavum*; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Muscle Spasticity; Paralysis; Prognosis; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Compression; Spinal Cord Diseases; Spine
- From:Asian Spine Journal 2014;8(1):89-96
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Ossification of the ligamentum flavum is a rare cause of thoracic myelopathy. It develops in East Asians more frequently than in people from other areas. The exact pathophysiology has not been elucidated yet; however, it largely depends on biomechanical alterations, especially changes in the tensile force. Because the spinal cord is compressed from the posterior side, the first and most common clinical manifestation is usually loss of functional gait and spastic paralysis, which develop as the spinal cord compression progresses. The choice of diagnostic imaging is T2 sagittal magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Whole spine scanning is mandatory to identify multiple areas of compression and any associated distal lumbar diseases. Fine computed tomography imaging is necessary to make a differential diagnosis and set up a precise surgical plan. Conservative treatment does not work in this disorder. Decompression surgery is the only option and prognosis after surgical treatment is better with this disorder than with other causes of thoracic myelopathy. The severity of preoperative symptoms and the time interval before surgical treatment are the most important prognostic factors.
