Does ligamentum flavum thickening cause pain?

Calcification of the ligament causes hypertrophy and can lead to spinal canal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) which can sometimes cause pain. 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.

How is ligamentum flavum treated?

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 is spinal ligamentum flavum?

The ligamenta flava (singular, ligamentum flavum, Latin for yellow ligament) are a series of ligaments that connect the ventral parts of the laminae of adjacent vertebrae. They help to preserve upright posture, preventing hyperflexion, and ensuring that the vertebral column straightens after flexion.

How serious is stenosis of the spine?

Spinal stenosis is a condition that results in the narrowing of the spinal column, often accompanied by painful, debilitating compression of the spinal cord as well as nerve roots. For some people, the pain can be so severe it is incapacitating, making even everyday activities nearly impossible.

What does ligamentum flavum prominence mean?

A thickened or hypertrophied LF (ligamentum flavum hypertrophy) is the number one cause of spinal canal stenosis. A hypertrophied or thickened LF compresses the spinal cord because of the increase in thickness and buckling. LF buckling becomes increasingly common with progression.

How is ligamentum flavum hypertrophy treated?

The ligamentum flavum seems to be the major cause of root compression in a limited number of patients. The surgical therapy recommended is a total laminectomy with wide resection of the ligamentum flavum and complete disk removal when indicated.

What movement does ligamentum flavum limit?

spinal flexion
At each vertebral level, fibers originate from a superior lamina (the term superior refers to a location above, relatively speaking) and connect to the inferior lamina (i.e. the lamina just below). The ligamentum flavum limits spinal flexion (bending forward), especially abrupt flexion.

What is the treatment of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?

Is ligamentum flavum hypertrophy serious?

Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition and location of hypertrophy or thickening. The initial hypertrophy stages are relatively asymptomatic (cause no pain), but its progress can rapidly become severe and even disabling.

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.