What does ligamentous hypertrophy mean?
Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy refers to abnormal thickening of the ligamentum flavum. If severe, it can be associated with spinal canal stenosis.
What is the treatment of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?
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.
Does ligamentum flavum hypertrophy 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.
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.
Is a disc bulge serious?
One of the most significant complications of a bulging disc is permanent nerve damage. Without treatment, compressed nerve roots in the spine can be permanently damaged, leading to chronic pain, weakness, and loss of sensation.
What is a laminectomy procedure?
Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps ease pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, narrowing of the canal (spinal stenosis), or tumors.
Is lumbar facet arthropathy a disability?
According to the medical guide called the Blue Book published by the SSA, facet arthropathy might qualify as a disability if the severity of symptoms matches the guidelines published under Section 1.04. This section lists all musculoskeletal conditions that qualify disability applicants for financial assistance.
Can spinal stenosis cause death?
It occurs from spinal stenosis that causes pressure on the spinal cord. If untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. Symptoms may affect your gait and balance, dexterity, grip strength and bowel or bladder function.
What is the pathophysiology of lumbar ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?
Lumbar ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is due to accumulation of inflammation-related scar tissue Accumulation of fibrosis (scarring) causes hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum. Inflammation-related gene expression is found in the ligamentum flavum. It might be possible to prevent the hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum with antiinflammatory drugs.
What is posterior hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
Hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament is a prodromal condition to ossification: a cervical myelopathy case report
What is hypertrophied lumbar ligament thrombosis?
Back pain, neck pain, and hypertrophied LF are mechanical conditions that result from accumulated daily stresses. Chronic neck pain and chronic back pain patients will always have some degree of damage or thickening in LF. Steroidal injections are an orthopedic surgeon’s favorite injectable.
What are the musculoskeletal symptoms of a lumbar hypertrophied ligamentum?
A lumbar or low back hypertrophied ligamentum can cause symptoms or pain in one or both sides of the lower body. As mentioned earlier, it can also cause bowel and bladder issues or dysfunction in reproductive systems and organs. We have provided a detailed list of musculoskeletal symptoms for your review below: