Thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum: clinical features and surgical results in the Japanese population

• DOI: 10.3171/spi.2006.5.6.514
• Publication Date: 2008-01-24T12:23:01Z
• Authors: Toshimi Aizawa; Tetsuro Sato; Hirotoshi Sasaki; Takashi Kusakabe; Naoki Morozumi; Shoichi Kokubun
• Keywords: Medical record

Data obtained in patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) were retrospectively reviewed to clarify clinical features and surgical outcomes Japanese population.Seventy-two who underwent surgery for OLF-induced Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, between 1988 2002 observed at least 2 years. Clinical data collected from medical operative records. The evaluated pre- postoperatively using modified Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale (maximum score 11). relationships among various factors (age, sex, preoperative duration symptoms) affecting severity postoperative improvement also examined.In this series outcome was relatively good depended on myelopathy; thus early correct diagnosis is required avoid poorer results. male/female ratio 3:2 mean patient age 61 years men 68 women. commonly noticed numbness or pain their lower legs gait disturbances. In a total 104 decompressed intervertebral disc levels, more than 80% ossified ligaments T9-10 level lower. JOA 5.1 improved 7.9 after an average 46 months. results statistically myelopathy. Among studies OLF-related myelopathy, present study had largest sample size, which should help OLF