Compressive myelopathy due to Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy leading to spastic paraplegia: A care report

Abstract

Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is a condition in which the Ligamentum flavum (LF) thickens causing spinal canal narrowing producing symptoms of spinal cord compression leading to compressive myelopathy. Clinically Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy can present as asymptomatic to low back pain, paresthesia, neurological claudication, paraparesis with or without autonomic and, bowel and bladder disturbances. Diagnosis is based primarily on imaging techniques such as CT scan and MRI scan. We chose to present this case of 46 yrs female having compressive myelopathy due to Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy at D9 to D12 level causing progressive spastic paraparesis without bowel and bladder involvement. Patient was managed with laminectomy and decompression done at D9 to D12 level with excellent functional outcome.