Effects of thinned cap uncovering technique on treatment for thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum

VernacularTitle:薄化揭盖法治疗胸椎黄韧带骨化症的疗效观察
Author: Weigong ZHAO ; Genwen MAO ; Xuezhe HAN ; Shuming LI ; Yimin YANG
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: thoracic vertebra; ligamentum flavum; thinned cap uncovering technique
From: Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2016;(2):170-173
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To summarize the outcome of treatment for thoracic vertebra ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF)with en-bloc removal of the spinal canal’s posterior wall termed as the “thinned cap uncovering”technique.Methods From 2003 to 2013,56 patients with OLF were treated with thinned cap uncovering technique.In this group,there were 40 male patients and 1 6 female ones,with the average age of 45 years (range of 30-65 years)and the average history of 3 years.The 56 patients were followed up for an average duration of 2 years and 7 months (1-5 years).Results According to WANG’s evaluation,45 cases (about 80%) had excellent results,9 cases (about 1 6%)had good results,and 3 cases had improved symptoms,the excellence to good rates being 96%.Conclusion Removal of the posterior wall of the spinal canal via “thinned cap uncovering”technique is a reliable and effective treatment for thoracic OLF.The strategy for successful operation is to use high speed drill to cut bone accurately,which allows discectomy for thoracic vertebra and to diminish faults and complications during the surgical procedure.