What is hypertrophy of a ligament?
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 posterior hypertrophy?
Although ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a well-known disorder that leads to myelopathy, hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament (HPLL) is a rare pathological condition. HPLL is defined by thickening of the PLL that compresses the dural tube.
What causes thickening of posterior longitudinal ligament?
Key Points about Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OpLL) It is an uncommon condition that affects people of Asian descent. It occurs when the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes rigid and less flexible. The cause is unknown, but genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal factors play a role.
What is posterior ligamentous thickening?
OPLL is a condition in which the flexible structure of the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes thicker and less flexible. It most commonly occurs in the cervical spine. OPLL typically presents with none or mild symptoms at the beginig. Mild symptoms may include; mild pain, tingling, and/or numbness in the hands.
What causes ligament thickening?
Other studies support the hypothesis that a facet degeneration alone without disc space narrowing can lead to physiologic ligament thickening. Furthermore, thickening occurs as a result of inflammation and fibrocartilaginous transformation can cause hypertrophy of the ligament.
What is the treatment of 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 is an elevated posterior longitudinal ligament?
The posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) is a long and important ligament located immediately posterior to the vertebral bodies (to which it attaches loosely) and intervertebral discs (to which it is firmly attached). It extends from the back of the sacrum inferiorly and gradually broadens as it ascends.
Is the anterior or posterior longitudinal ligament thicker?
The lumbar posterior longitudinal ligament is much thinner, both in width and thickness, than its anterior counterpart; therefore, the main opposition to flexion of the lumbar spine comes from the ligamentum flavum (Panjabi & White 1990).
Which movement is prevented by the posterior longitudinal ligament?
Cervical Flexion
Further, some ligaments prevent movement in certain directions. Three of the more important ligaments in the spine are the Ligamentum Flavum, Anterior Longitudinal Ligament and the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament….Primary Spinal Ligaments Include:
| Ligament | Spinal Region | Limits… |
|---|---|---|
| Ligamentum Nuchae | Cervical | Flexion |
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