Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society

The Korean Neurosurgical Society (대한신경외과학회)
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Thoracic Myelopathy and Radiculomyelopathy due to Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum - A Cases Report -

황색인대 골화에 의한 흉추부 척수증 및 신경근척수증 - 증례보고 -

  • Lee, Sang Dae (Department of Neurosurgery, Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital) ;
  • Rhee, Dong Youl (Department of Neurosurgery, Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital) ;
  • Jeong, Young Gyun (Department of Neurosurgery, Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital) ;
  • Park, Hyuck (Department of Neurosurgery, Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital) ;
  • Cho, Bong Soo (Department of Neurosurgery, Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Soo Young (Department of Neurosurgery, Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital)
  • 이상대 (왈레스기념 침례병원 신경외과) ;
  • 이동열 (왈레스기념 침례병원 신경외과) ;
  • 정영균 (왈레스기념 침례병원 신경외과) ;
  • 박혁 (왈레스기념 침례병원 신경외과) ;
  • 조봉수 (왈레스기념 침례병원 신경외과) ;
  • 김수영 (왈레스기념 침례병원 신경외과)
  • Received : 2000.05.10
  • Accepted : 2000.07.03
  • Published : 2000.10.28
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Abstract

Ossification of ligamentum flavum(OLF) is a type of ectopic bone formation developed within the spinal ligament. Thoracic myelopathy is common symptom of OLF but radiculopathy is uncommon. We present 3 operated cases of OLF. Two showed myelopathy and one radiculomyelopathy. Main symptoms were motor weakness, sensory disturbance, incoordination of both legs, and back pain. One patient complained of left girdle pain in T4 dermatome. Deep tendon reflex(DTR) was increased in all cases. The diagnosis was made from myelogram, CT and MRI. Sufficient posterior decompressive laminectomy and medial facetectomy were performed. Postoperative diagnosis was comfirmed by histopathological examination. One patient could return to work 3 months after operation and two patients showed satisfactory improvement 2-3 months after operation. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment were prerequisite of good outcome.

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