Repeated Recurrence of Ligamentum Flavum Ossification After Posterior Spinal Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review

JBJS Case Connect. 2023 Jan 12;13(1). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00267. eCollection 2023 Jan 1.

Abstract

Case: Patients with myelopathy due to narrowing of the spinal canal with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) generally require surgical intervention, but surgical methods for OLF remain controversial. We discuss our experience regarding posterior fusion surgery with instrumentation for a patient with recurrent OLF at the same level after decompression surgery as well as describe the preoperative and postoperative course of this rare case.

Conclusion: Posterior decompression and fusion surgery is recommended as revision surgery for recurrent OLF at the same level after decompression surgery. A detailed surgical planning should be developed before surgery.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Decompression, Surgical / methods
  • Humans
  • Ligamentum Flavum*
  • Ossification, Heterotopic* / surgery
  • Osteogenesis
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery