Abstract
Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a major cause of thoracic myelopathy. Surgical treatment is indicated when conservative treatment loses efficacy and symptoms of myelopathy appear. Either of the two surgical techniques are usually employed based on the observed ossification type after resection or division and thinning of the laminae. They include the double open-door and en bloc resection techniques, which are indicated in cases without and with bony fusion in the midline, respectively. The surgical outcomes are generally good. However, the presence of dural ossification has a negative impact on treatment outcomes and is related to a higher risk of surgical complications. The preoperative diagnosis of dural ossification is of considerable value, as it prepares surgeons for possible complications.
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Kaito, T. (2020). Surgery for Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum: Posterior Decompression with or Without Fusion. In: Okawa, A., Matsumoto, M., Iwasaki, M., Kawaguchi, Y. (eds) OPLL. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3855-1_31
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