Total laminotomy, in-situ autografting and decompression for the treatment of ossification of thoracic ligamentum flavum
- VernacularTitle:全椎板截骨再植椎管扩大成形术治疗胸椎黄韧带骨化症
- Author:
Yanping ZHENG
;
Xinyu LIU
;
Wei DU
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Thoracic vertebrae;
Ligamentum flavum;
Ossification, heterotopic;
Treatment outcome
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
1998;0(12):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To summarize the imaging features of the thoracic canal stenosis caused by ossification of ligamentum flavum, and to evaluate its clinical results of a novel decompression of total laminotomy and autografting in-situ. Methods 31 patients underwent total laminotomy, autografting in-situ and decompression to treat the ossification of thoracic ligamentum flavum. In the study, there were 18 males and 13 females; the average age was 45.7 years (rang, 26 to 73). 3 patients were associated with cervical stenosis, 5 with lumbar stenosis, and 2 with both cervical and lumbar stenosis. 9 were associated with anterior compression by thoracic disc herniation or OPLL. The vertebrae affected were 1 level in 3 patients, 2 levels in 12, 3 levels in 11 and more than 4 levels in 5. 23 affected segments were located at the upper thoracic spine(T1-T4), 19 at the mid-thoracic spine(T5-T8) and 52 at lower-thoracic spine(T9-T12). All the patients underwent total laminotomy and autografting in-situ, 9 patients with thoracic disc herniation or OPLL received discectomy and internal fixation at one stage. The postoperative outcomes were evaluated according to Epstein criteria. Results The patients were followed up 6 to 63 months (mean, 15 months). The clinical outcomes were excellent in 14 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 3 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 87.5%. One case experienced neurological complication with Frankel C grade improved to Frankel D grade treated with neurotrophic drug and hyperbaric oxygen and to Frankel E grade at 5 months after operation. 2 presented with lower limb intravenous thrombosis, and CSF leakage happened in 1 case and cured with re-operation. The osteotomy of total laminotomy was bony healed at average of 5.5 months, and there was not new formed ossification anterior to re-implanted vertebral lamina and spinal cord compression. Conclusion MRI combined with CT scanning is a most useful imaging modality for the diagnosis of ossification of thoracic ligamentum flavum. The novel surgical procedure designed by the authors is safe and effective in treating ossification of thoracic ligamentum flavum.
