Ossification of the cervical ligamentum flavum

A case of a 61-year-old man with ossification of the cervical ligamentum flavum is reported. The ossification was located on the left side of C3-4. The symptoms improved with laminectomy and resection. Ossification of the ligamentum flavum usually occurs in the lower thoracic spine, and is rare in the cervical region. Including the present one, only eight cases have been reported to our knowledge. The clinical features and pathogenesis are discussed.     

Untreated hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets with symptomatic ossification of the ligamentum flavum.

An adult case of untreated hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets with symptomatic ossification of the ligamentum flavum in the thoracic region is reported and discussed with regard to the calcium metabolism and the ligamentous ossification. Factors influencing ossification of the ligamentum flavum may be mechanical stress on the spine and an increase in calcium retention.     

Ligamentum flavum hematoma in the rigid thoracic spinal segments: case report

Ligamentum flavum hematoma, a rare cause of spinal nerve root and canal compression, typically occurs in the mobile lumbar spine segments. A thoracic ligamentum flavum hematoma is extremely rare--only one such case of a thoracolumbar (T11-12) lesion has been reported. The thoracolumbar region with its floating ribs, however, is structurally and biomechanically similar to the lumbar spine and its mobility is greater than the higher thoracic levels. To the best of their knowledge, the authors report the first case of a ligamentum flavum hematoma in the region of the rigid thoracic spinal segments with the contiguous rib cage. A symptomatic T9-10 ligamentum flavum hematoma is described in the case of a 66-year-old woman with compensatory thoracic lordosis secondary to the lumbar degenerative kyphosis. The hematoma was removed and the diagnosis was histologically confirmed. The authors speculate that thoracic lordosis might have contributed to the development of the hematoma because the ligamentum flavum and the facet joint were subjected to greater axial stress than in individuals with normal spinal alignment.     

Transient paraparesis after laminectomy for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and ossification of the ligamentum flavum

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a case with thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF), in which postoperative paralysis occurred after laminectomy and was reversed after an additional posterior instrumented fusion. SETTING: A University Hospital in Japan. CASE REPORT: A 71-year-old woman, with a spastic palsy of both lower extremities, had OPLL and OLF at T10-T11, which pinched the spinal cord anteriorly and posteriorly. She underwent a laminectomy at T10-T11, and no further neurological deterioration was seen immediately after surgery. Over the next 18 h, however, myelopathy worsened, showing severe paraparesis. An additional posterior instrumented fusion at T7-L1 was performed without correction of the kyphosis. After fusion, neurological deficits gradually recovered, despite the presence of residual anterior impingement of spinal cord by the OPLL. CONCLUSIONS: The present case provides evidence for the possibility that laminectomy alone produces postoperative paralysis for combined thoracic OPLL and OLF, and we recommend that a posterior instrumented fusion should be added when posterior decompression is performed for this disorder.     

全椎板截骨再植椎管扩大成形术治疗胸椎黄韧带骨化症

目的总结胸椎黄韧带骨化症导致胸椎椎管狭窄的影像学特点，探讨改良椎管减压术的临床疗效。方法胸椎黄韧带骨化症31例，男18例，女13例；年龄26—73岁，平均45．7岁。术前均行MR、CT检查以明确诊断。合并颈椎管狭窄3例、腰椎管狭窄5例，颈胸腰椎管狭窄同时存在者2例；合并胸椎后纵韧带骨化和椎间盘突出症9例。单节段3例，双节段12例，三节段11例，四节段以上5例。局限型6例，连续型17例，跳跃型8例。共94个病变节段，其中上胸段(T1～T4)23个节段、中胸段(T5～T8)19个节段、下胸段(T9-T12)52个节段。手术采用全椎板截骨原位再植椎管扩大成形术。对9例合并胸椎后纵韧带骨化和椎间盘突出者，在后方减压的同时，行切除椎管前方突出椎间盘的环脊髓减压及后路钉棒系统内固定。术后疗效评价参照Epstein标准。结果24例患者随访6—63个月，平均15个月。术后疗效优14例、良7例、可3例，优良率87．5％。1例因术后停用脱水药物过早引起下肢瘫痪症状加重；2例出现下肢静脉血栓；2例硬脊膜撕裂。结论MR结合CT检查是诊断胸椎黄韧带骨化症最有效的手段，全椎板截骨再植椎管扩大成形术安全可靠，疗效满意。     

Cervical cyst of the ligamentum flavum and C7-T1 subluxation: case report

A patient with progressive gait disturbance resulting from a cyst of the cervical ligamentum flavum associated with C7-T1 listhesis is reported. Surgical removal of the cyst improved the patients myelopathy. Intraspinal degenerative cysts are preferentially located in the lumbar region:unusual is the cervical localization. Differential diagnosis includes ligamentum flavum cyst, synovial and ganglion cysts. Association between degenerative intraspinal cysts and listhesis is discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first case of cyst of the ligamentum flavum associated with cervical subluxation.     

Thoracic cord compression caused by contiguous multilevel ossification of ligamentum flavum in Chinese patients

OBJECTIVE: To explore the epidemiology, clinical presentation, radiology and surgical treatment outcome in Chinese patients with myelopathy caused by contiguous multilevel ossification of ligamentum flavum. METHODS: Medical notes and imaging data of 18 Chinese patients (14 males and 4 females, aged 43-72 years, mean: 57 years) with myelopathy caused by contiguous multilevel ossification of ligamentum flavum were studied retrospectively in this article. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination, X-ray films, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning results and pathological results. Sixteen patients were treated by laminectomy and two by laminoplasty. The average follow-up duration was 34 months (range, 28-49 months). The outcome was evaluated by Japanese Orthopaedics Association (JOA) score. RESULTS: The average time for occurring clinical symptoms was 7.5 months (range, 2 days-16 months). All the 18 cases presented with clinical evidences of chronic and progressive thoracic spinal cord compression, which included bilateral leg weakness, spastic gait, numbness in lower limbs, paresthesia in terminal and perineum, and urinary incontinence. Neurological examination revealed severe spastic paraparesis, absence of abdominal reflexes, and reduction of the sensory function below the compression level. The mean JOA score before operation was 3.6 (range, 0-6). MRI and CT scans of the thoracic spine confirmed the presence of contiguous multilevel ossification of the ligamentum flavum. The mean recovery rate after surgery in terms of JOA score was 66.3% (range, 33.3%-100%), with a mean final JOA score of 8.3. Thoracic decompression laminectomy or laminoplasty could result in a good postoperative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Contiguous multilevel ossification of the ligamentum flavum is not a common cause of myelopathy in Chinese population and should be treated as early as possible. MRI and CT scan examinations may diagnose the presence of thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF). Posterior decompression, especially with en bloc dissection of the laminae, can obtain satisfactory results.     

Ossification of the proximal thoracic ligamenta flava causing acute myelopathy in a Caucasian: case report and literature review

STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate that ossification of the proximal thoracic ligamenta flava can be a rare cause of acute myelopathy in a Caucasian patient and that timely surgery can lead to a good outcome. SETTING: Nottingham, UK. METHODS: Proximal multiple contiguous ossified thoracic ligamenta flava from T3/T4 to T5/T6 causing acute myelopathy was diagnosed in a Caucasian man based on history and examination followed by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanning. The literature is reviewed for all reported cases of ossified ligamenta flava causing myelopathy in Caucasians. RESULTS: Following prompt diagnosis and T3 to T5 laminectomies, our patient made near-complete neurological recovery over a 10-month period. This condition usually affects the lower thoracic spine. Although chronic and subacute myelopathy secondary to this circumstance has been reported in Caucasians, acute myelopathy has not been reported and proximal thoracic involvement has been reported twice. CONCLUSION: Ossification of the proximal thoracic ligamenta flava can be a rare cause of acute myelopathy in Caucasians. Prognosis following decompressive surgery is usually good.     

胸椎黄韧带骨化的病理组织学研究

目的：探讨黄韧带骨化的病理变化特点和发生机理。方法：利用组织病理学、组织化学和影像学检查对比研究正常黄韧带和12例骨化黄韧带的病理形态学特点。结果：组织学上可见病变早期出现胶原纤维肿胀、融合,进一步发生软骨化生,最终出现钙化和骨化。在肿胀融合的胶原纤维和软同有化生处可见阿新蓝（pH2.5）阳性的粘液性物质,根据病理学检查特点,结合影像学表现可将黄韧带骨化分为结节型（增生性）、周围型和弥漫型3种类型。结论：韧带的退行性改变是黄韧带骨化的基本原因;胶原纤维的肿胀融合及其粘液样变性是黄韧带骨化的起始病变;黄韧带骨化的大体类型代表着同一病变发展的不同阶段。     

Thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum. Clinicopathologic study and surgical treatment

The authors reviewed 14 patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). The predominant locality of symptomatic OLF was at the thoracolumbar junction, particularly at T10-11 followed by T11-12. At the level of the thickest OLF in each patient, there were three types of OLF from computed tomography and operative findings: a lateral type in 3 patients, diffuse in 8, and thickened nodular in 3. The diagnosis of OLF-related thoracic spinal canal stenosis was best made by enhanced computed tomography. Histologic study revealed that the developmental mode of OLF was mainly endochondral ossification. Numerous fibrocartilaginous cells were found in the increased and swollen collagen fibers forming the hypertrophic ligamentum flavum (HLF). Ossification extended along the superficial layer of HLF. The size or extension of OLF was relevant to the corresponding diathesis of spinalhyperostosis. Results of laminectomy for OLF were poor because of the high occurrence of complications early on or later deterioration. Therefore, laminoplasty is recommended as a successful procedure for OLF-related thoracic myelopathy, avoiding further local mechanical stress due to tensile force.     

Thoracic Myelopathy Secondary to Ossified Ligamentum Flavum

Summary. Summary. Background: Focal ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) forms one of the rare causes of thoracic myelopathy. The lower thoracic spine is most frequently affected and the patients present with initial posterior column disturbances followed by progressively increasing spastic paraparesis. The pathogenesis of OLF has not been conclusively established. Method: Five patients with thoracic myelopathy due to OLF underwent decompressive laminectomy and excision of the ligamentum flavum. Their MRI delineated a linear or beak like excrescence, uniformly hypo-intense on T1 and T2 weighted images, situated posterior to the thecal sac. A comparison between the pre-operative neurological status and the status at follow-up was done using Harsh's myelopathic grading. Finding: Decompressive laminectomy followed by the drilling of the OLF and its excision, occasionally along with the adherent outer layer of the dura, resulted in significant improvement in motor weakness and tingling sensations. However, at the last available follow-up, none of the patients had retained their ability to run briskly (grade I) and all of them had residual spasticity. Interpretation: OLF may significantly contribute to a spatial reduction of the thoracic spinal canal resulting in paraparesis. The T2 weighted sagittal image of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for screening of the longitudinal extent of the OLF. A rapid neurological improvement occurs following decompressive laminectomy and excision of the OLF. However, the persistence of residual spasticity at follow-up may be due to irreversible changes within the cord by the significant thecal compression and the delay between the onset of initial symptoms and signs and surgical decompression.     

Ossified-calcified ligamentum flavum causing dorsal cord compression with computed tomography-magnetic resonance imaging features

Dorsal cord compression secondary to ossification or calcification of the ligamentum flavum is a rare entity. The computed tomography-magnetic resonance imaging features and clinical presentation of a patient recently treated successfully by us is reported.     

Ossification of the ligamentum flavum in a Caucasian man

Abnormal ossification of spinal ligaments is a well-known cause of myelopathy in East Asian populations, with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) and the posterior longitudinal ligament being the most prevalent. In Caucasian populations, OLF is rare, and there has been only 1 documented case of the disease affecting more than 5 spinal levels. In this report, the authors describe the clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, and management of the second published case of a Caucasian man with OLF affecting almost the entire thoracic spine. The literature is then reviewed with regard to OLF epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation, and treatment.     

Tumoral calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease of the ligamentum flavum

OBJECTIVE: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease (CPPDD), also known as pseudogout, is rarely known to affect the spine. The purpose of this article is to report our experience with six cases involving massive focal deposition of CPPD crystals in the ligamentum flavum. METHODS: Between January 1998 and June 2002, we treated six patients with CPPDD involving the ligamentum flavum of the cervical and thoracic spine. Their ages ranged from 45 to 70 years. There were five female patients and one male patient. The cervical spine was involved in two cases and the thoracic spine in four. All except one patient presented with an insidious onset of myelopathy. The remaining patient presented with paraplegia after trauma. None of the patients exhibited any systemic features of CPPDD or other metabolic conditions that can lead to CPPD deposition. Plain x-rays often yielded inconclusive results. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were useful in confirming the diagnoses. Decompressive laminectomy, with removal of the ossified ligamenta flava, was performed for all patients. Polarized-light microscopic examinations of the excised ligamenta flava revealed the characteristic rod-shaped, birefringent crystals. RESULTS: Five of the six patients experienced significant improvements in their myelopathic symptoms after surgery. The remaining patient experienced improvements in sensations but no appreciable improvement in motor power. During the follow-up periods, which ranged from 7 months to 3 years, none of the patients presented with a recurrence of CPPD crystal deposition at the previously treated level. However, one patient who exhibited improvement after surgery presented 2 years later with a recurrence of myelopathic features attributable to ossification of the ligamentum flavum at a new level. CONCLUSION: Tumoral CPPDD of the ligamentum flavum is rare. It commonly occurs among middle-age or elderly female patients and presents with progressive myelopathy. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are complementary in the diagnosis of this condition. Surgery, if performed early, leads to good improvement. However, long-term follow-up monitoring of these patients is necessary, because surgery provides only symptomatic relief and does not treat the underlying disease. With the increasing availability of magnetic resonance imaging, ossification of the ligamentum flavum is being more frequently recognized. In every case of ossified ligamentum flavum, the excised specimen should be examined with polarized-light microscopy. We think that this simple, inexpensive method will lead to the recognition of more cases of spinal CPPDD.     

合并腰椎疾患的下胸椎黄韧带骨化临床诊治

目的探讨合并腰椎疾患的下胸椎黄韧带骨化临床特点及诊治方法。方法下胸椎黄韧带骨化同时存在腰椎疾患的患者23例,诊断结合X线、椎管造影、CT、MRI检查,体征以肌张力增高和深反射异常为特点;患者均采用病变节段全椎板减压手术治疗。结果23例均获随访,时间10-36个月,手术减压1-3节胸椎椎板,患者在末次随访时都有不同程度的神经功能改善。术后功能恢复优4例,良13例,可6例。术后到末次随访时无一例患者因腰椎疾病而再次接受手术。结论合并腰椎疾患的下胸椎黄韧带骨化需要注意将客观体征与多种影像学检查相结合,尽早诊断、早期手术。     

Two-staged decompression for thoracic paraparesis due to the combined ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and the ligamentum flavum: a case report

Study design A case report of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) combined with ossification of the ligamentum flavum, or yellow ligament (OYL), in the upper thoracic spine. Objective To describe a rare clinical entity and its management pitfalls in a patient with upper thoracic myelopathy due to combined OPLL and OYL. Methods A 52-year-old woman developed paresthesia and paraparesis of both legs. One month prior to admission she fell and became unable to walk. She was diagnosed as having upper thoracic myelopathy due to combined OPLL and OYL and was treated by two-stage anterior and posterior spinal decompression. Posterior decompression was achieved first by laminoplasty at C3–Th1 and laminectomy of Th2 and Th3. Results After posterior decompression, her symptoms immediately and dramatically improved. However, symptoms recurred after she was able to achieve a sitting or standing position. We then performed anterior decompression at Th2, which again improved her symptoms. At two years post-surgery, she is ambulatory with the use of a cane. Conclusion Upper thoracic myelopathy due to OPLL and OYL was treated by combined 2-staged anterior and posterior decompression. In this case, posterior decompression alone was inadequate to relieve the symptoms of this pathological condition.     

Spinal cord compression by hematoma in the cervical ligamentum flavum: a case report

Background contextThere have been some reports describing hematoma in the thoracic and lumbar ligamentum flavum, but there have been only three reports of hematoma in the cervical ligamentum flavum.PurposeWe describe another case of the ligamentum flavum hematoma in the cervical spine with a different feature of occurrence that required surgical treatment.Study designCase report.Patient samplePatient with ligamentum flavum hematoma in the cervical spine.Outcome measuresPreoperative magnetic resonance imaging and pathologic finding from operative specimen confirmed the diagnosis.MethodsA 69-year-old man insidiously presented with pain in his left upper arm and difficulty in left shoulder abduction. Neurologic examination demonstrated a cervical myelopathy with diffuse muscle weakness of left upper extremity and sensory disturbance. Imaging studies revealed a mass of high intense on T1-weighted images and isointense on T2-weighted images posterior to the dura at C4 lower end level. The patient underwent C4–C5 hemilaminectomy and the removal of the mass. The mass existed within the ligamentum flavum and was connected toward the pedicle like the beads of a rosary.ResultsHistopathologic examination of the surgical specimen showed that the hematoma was present within the ligamentum flavum and contained macrophages that had phagocytosed red blood cells and hemosiderin. After surgery, the patients' symptoms immediately improved, and no recurrence was observed at 2 years postoperatively.ConclusionsWe reported a very rare case of hematoma in the ligamentum flavum of the cervical spine that required surgery. Because the patient was without the history of trauma, it was suggested that the use of antiplatelet drugs was responsible for the occurrence of the disease.     

Unusual appearance of an en plaque meningioma of the cervical spinal canal. A case report and literature review

STUDY DESIGN: A case report of a patient with cervical spinal cord and nerve root compression caused by a meningioma en plaque together with calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is presented,with a review of the literature. OBJECTIVE: To present the diagnosis of a calcified dural meningioma en plaque, with extradural extension into the ligamentum flavum, in a woman with cervical myelopathy and neuropathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: This case demonstrates that the cervical spine can be involved in dural meningioma en plaque with calcifications, in a manner mimicking ossification of the ligamentum flavum, which has never been previously reported. METHODS: A patient presenting with cervical cord and nerve root compression caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and a concurrent calcified dural meningioma en plaque was treated surgically and has made a gradual recovery. Imaging studies,surgical findings, and histopathologic evaluation were analyzed to support the diagnosis. RESULTS: At surgery, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was noted, along with a calcified lesion involving the posterior cervical dura and the adjacent ligamentum flavum. A calcified meningioma was diagnosed by histopathologic examination of the dural-based lesion. CONCLUSION: Although previously not described, the diagnosis of calcified dural meningioma en plaque should be considered in all patients presenting with spinal cord and/or nerve root compression,even at cervical levels. Although ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and ossification of the ligamentum flavum are more common etiologies of partially circumferential spinal calcification, dural-based meningiomas with extension into the surrounding ligaments demand early recognition because they can be associated with a poorer prognosis.     

Thoracic myelopathy caused by calcified ligamentum flavum

Calcification of the ligamentum flavum is a rare manifestation of the calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD). In CPPD deposition disease, spinal involvement is rare. Until now, thoracic spine CPPD causing thoracic cord compression has been reported in only sporadic cases. We report a new case of thoracic calcification of the ligamentum flavum. In our case, similar to the other reported cases, an affected middle-aged woman despite the clinical and MRI signs of myelopathy had an unexpected important and rapid improvement of the neurological picture. This condition should be considered in differential diagnosis of thoracic cord compression to offer the patient an early and useful surgical treatment.     

Two-level ligamentum flavum hematoma in the lumbar spine. Case report

Ligamentum flavum hematoma is a rare cause of spinal root or cord compression that usually occurs at a single level. No case of multiple-level ligamentum flavum hematoma has previously been reported. We report an extremely rare case of double, contiguous ligamentum flavum hematomas in the lumbar spine. A 71-year-old man with hypertension and degenerative lumbar scoliosis presented with pain and muscle weakness in the left lower extremity after physical exertion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine showed severe spinal stenosis caused by two-level ligamentum flavum hematoma (L3-L4 and L4-L5). Both hematomas were completely removed and the diagnosis was histologically confirmed. Symptoms completely resolved after surgery. Despite being extremely rare, ligamentum flavum hematoma with involvement of multiple levels may be observed.