What is the ligamentum flavum?
One of a series of bands of elastic tissue that runs between the lamina from the axis to the sacrum, the ligamentum flavum connects the laminae and fuses with the facet joint capsules. The elastin pulls the ligament out of the canal when the spine is extended.
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 is ligamentum flavum hypertrophy 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 causes thickening of ligamentum flavum?
Degenerative change of the ligamentum flavum can result in elastic fibers being replaced with collagen. This replacement with collagen causes the ligamentum flavum to thicken (up to 10 times its normal width in some instances), which in turn can cause stenosis of the vertebral canal.
What does ligamentum mean?
1. a band of fibrous tissue connecting bones or cartilages, serving to support and strengthen joints. See also sprain. 2. a double layer of peritoneum extending from one visceral organ to another.
Can you be paralyzed from spinal stenosis?
Can spinal stenosis cause permanent paralysis? While the narrowing of the spine can cause pain, it usually doesn’t cause paralysis. However, if a spinal nerve or the spinal cord is compressed for a long period of time, permanent numbness and/or paralysis is possible.
What is mild facet and ligamentous hypertrophy?
Here are more possible causes of facet hypertrophy: A traumatic injury (that occurs as the result of an accident in a car, sports, or fall) Physical inactivity or lack of exercise Obesity and overweight Spinal fractures Poor posture Repetitive twisting or bending A torn ligament
What does thickening of the ligament mean?
Thickening of these ligaments naturally occurs when standing or leaning back, which tends to leave the spinal nerves with limited room. Sitting or leaning forward stretches these ligaments and provides more space in the spinal canal. Over time, these ligaments can become less flexible and weaker,…
What is posterior ligament hypertrophy?
Hypertrophy describes a swelling beyond normal size and possible breakdown of elasticity in the ligament itself at one or more spinal levels. This yellow ligament attaches to the inside of the vertebrae, rearward of the central spinal canal.
What is diffuse facet arthropathy?
Diffuse facet arthropathy means generalized degenerative arthritis of these joints throughout the spin. The facets are the joints between the posterior parts of adjacent vertebral bodies.