Four Cases of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum with Acute Progressive Myelopathy

Kurimoto Hisatsugu and Yokokur

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord paralysis symptoms due to ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) often proceed slowly, and few reports have described acute progression of paralysis without any clear trauma that resulted in difficulty in walking. Here, we report 4 cases of thoracic OLF in which the patients had acute progression of myelopathy, and all had good recovery of paralysis after early decompressive surgery. Conclusions: We report 4 cases of thoracic OLF with acute progression of myelopathy that required early surgery. Clinicians should consider the risk of acute progression of paralysis regardless of the type or level of OLF.