Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is a condition in which the ligamentum flavum (LF) thickens due to stresses placed on the spine. With hypertrophy, ligamentum flavum (LF) increases in thickness (size). The thicker it becomes, the higher the risks of compressing the spinal cord or spinal nerves.
What is bilateral ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?
Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy refers to abnormal thickening of the ligamentum flavum. If severe, it can be associated with spinal canal stenosis.
Is ligamentum flavum thickening serious?
The inflammation then leads to hypertrophic scar formation (fibrosis) (Sairyo et al., 2007). The ligamentum flavum can also ossify over a long period of time, which can lead to serious vertebral canal stenosis.
What are the symptoms of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?
If the ligamentum flavum buckles to the point that it impinges a spinal nerve, a patient may experience the following symptoms of spinal stenosis:
- Weakness.
- Numbness.
- Localized pain.
- Radiating pain (depending on the location of the spinal stenosis, the pain could radiate into the shoulders, arms, ribs or legs)
How do you fix ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?
The current treatment approach for LF thickening includes operative and nonoperative treatment. Operative treatment includes such procedures as excision of the LF, decompressive laminectomy, and minimally invasive decompression.
What causes ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?
It is thought to be mostly from fibrosis caused by the accumulation of mechanical stress with the aging process, especially along the dorsal aspect of the ligamentum flavum. The thickness of the ligamentum flavum increases with age and this increase is thought to the most pronounced at the lower lumbar levels 3.
Can ligamentum flavum hypertrophy be caused by trauma?
Although ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is not uncommon, it is usually seen in trauma as a result of tearing and scar formation or in spondylosis. This is the first case report of such a condition due to acromegaly in which the neurological symptoms are more often due to peripheral nerve and muscle abnormalities.
What is ligamentum flavum hypertrophy treatment?
Conclusion. Percutaneous endoscopic technique is a small trauma, quick recovery, safe, and effective minimally invasive surgery for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis secondary to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.
Is ligamentum flavum hypertrophy the same as spinal stenosis?
Ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy is a common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis and is thought to be degeneration-driven. Developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) is characterized by pre-existing narrowed spinal canals and is likely a developmental problem that occurs in childhood.
What does ligamentum flavum hypertrophy mean?
Definition: Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy means enlargement of the tough band of tissue that connects two bones of the spine. Multilevel indicates that this is ha…
Can ligamentum flavum hypertrophy cause spinal stenosis pain?
In cases of spinal stenosis, however, there may be further aggravation of pain due to Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy. This is because the thickening or hypertrophy may cause the already existing spinal condition to get worsened. The symptoms experienced in such cases are usually felt below the affected level of the thickening or hypertrophy.
What is the normal thickness of ligamentum flavum?
The average thickness of ligamentum flavum is about 2.5-3.4mm in a healthy adult’s spine. A thickness of 3.5mm or above is considered a hypertrophy (swollen). The thicker the ligament, the more serious the condition.
What is the function or purpose of ligamentum flavum (LF)?
The buckling of LF (ligamentum flavum hypertrophy) is the main reason why many complain of increased pain during weight-bearing positions or when they extend the spine. What Is The Function or Purpose Of Ligamentum Flavum (LF)? Elastin, which we will discuss in upcoming sections, provides ligamentum flavum (LF) significant elasticity.
