Cervical Ligamentum Flavum Hematoma: A Case Report.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Study Design Case report. Objective To report the first case of ligamentum flavum hematoma after cervical spine instrumentation 11 years after the index surgery. Methods After performing bilateral C3 and C4 laminectomy, we observed a dark greenish discoloration over the ligamentum flavum, which was opened. We evacuated 15 mL of subacute hematoma. Results The first ligamentum flavum hematoma of the cervical spine that occurred after spinal instrumentation with sublaminar hooks. Conclusion Ligamentum flavum hematoma might happen even after a long delay (in our case, 11 years) from spinal instrumentation (sublaminar hooks). In symptomatic patients, evacuation is the treatment of choice. In cases of instrument adhesion to the surrounding intracanal tissues, removal should be done meticulously after performing a complete release.
Project description:Brown-Séquard syndrome (BSS) has many etiologies, including penetrating trauma, extramedullary tumors, and disc herniation. However, thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is an extremely rare cause of this syndrome. A 46-year-old woman with motor weakness in her right lower extremity and urinary retention was admitted to our department. Based on the results of physical examination, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, a diagnosis of BSS with OLF was considered. The patient underwent urgent conservative treatment. BSS is a rare condition characterized by hemisection or hemicompression of the spinal marrow. The herein-described case of incomplete BSS due to OLF responded to conservative treatment. However, the successful nonoperative management of this case is insufficient evidence to consider it as the standard of care. Therefore, emergency laminectomy decompression remains the standard of care for BSS.
Project description:ObjectiveTo study the distribution of sympathetic nerves of the ligamentum flavum (LF), confirm its existence by histological observation and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and analyze the relationship between sympathetic nerve fibers and the biomechanical structure of the LF.MethodsRandomly controlled scientific research selected 15 cases of posterior surgery in the affiliated hospital of Qingdao University from January 2013 to December 2019. The average age was 67.5 ± 14.5 years old, eight males and seven females. The LF specimens (completely separated fresh tissue) of different segments (C3-7 ) were taken during the operation. Two pages of LF specimens on the left and right sides of the same segment are randomly allocated by the pairing method for formalin fixation and cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen. LF specimens extracted from seven other adult cadaver specimens (average age at death of about 56.8 ± 4.0 years, three males and four females) were used as a control group; together with formalin- fixed specimens obtained during surgery, 3D slices were given layer by layer. The distribution of sympathetic nerves in different parts of the LF was analyzed by glyoxylic acid-induced biological monoamine fluorescent technique (SPG) and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fifteen liquid nitrogen storage specimens were divided into the back of the LF and the spinal canal through frozen sections, and were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-hydrogen spectrum (1 H -NMR) for neurotransmitters and neurometabolites.ResultsThere were type C sympathetic nerve fibers in the LF, which were divided into linear shape (α) and wave shape (β). Experimental group (χ2 = 1.705, P > 0.05) and control group (χ2 = 0.879, P > 0.05) can detect no difference in fluorescence units. Nerve fiber transmitter metabolites choline (Cho), creator (Cr), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) also indicate that the sympathetic nerve is present in the LF. LF sympathetic nerve fibers were mainly distributed in the proximal spinal canal surface, nerve fibers on the medial belt (area II) were fewer than the lateral belt (area I) (W = 210, P < 0.05). The 1 HNMR spectrum of LF spinal canal PG / Cho (t = 8.721, P < 0.05), GABA (t = 16.01, P < 0.05) value increased, lactic acid (Lac) / Cr (t = 4.213, P < 0.05), Cho / Cr (t = 2.402, P < 0.05) value decreased, indicating that nerve fibers are actively metabolized on the surface of the spinal canal, mainly distributed in tube surface. βtype fibers were more often distributed around microvessels. A small amount of α type fibers went next to the vascular structures, while α type fibers and β type fibers go cross within LF. Two patients with vertebral artery dissection had no recurrence of sympathetic symptoms within a total of 12 follow-ups 2 years after discharge.ConclusionsThere are many sympathetic nerve fibers distributed on LF, and their distribution may be correlated with histological and mechanical characteristics of LF. It may also be the anatomical basis of cervical vertigo.
Project description:Lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) is one of the most common spinal disorders in elderly people, with the number of LSCS patients increasing due to the aging of the population. The ligamentum flavum (LF) is a spinal ligament located in the interior of the vertebral canal, and hypertrophy of the LF, which causes the direct compression of the nerve roots and/or cauda equine, is a major cause of LSCS. Although there have been previous studies on LF hypertrophy, its pathomechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to establish a relevant mouse model of LF hypertrophy and to examine disease-related factors. First, we focused on mechanical stress and developed a loading device for applying consecutive mechanical flexion-extension stress to the mouse LF. After 12 weeks of mechanical stress loading, we found that the LF thickness in the stress group was significantly increased in comparison to the control group. In addition, there were significant increases in the area of collagen fibers, the number of LF cells, and the gene expression of several fibrosis-related factors. However, in this mecnanical stress model, there was no macrophage infiltration, angiogenesis, or increase in the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which are characteristic features of LF hypertrophy in LSCS patients. We therefore examined the influence of infiltrating macrophages on LF hypertrophy. After inducing macrophage infiltration by micro-injury to the mouse LF, we found excessive collagen synthesis in the injured site with the increased TGF-β1 expression at 2 weeks after injury, and further confirmed LF hypertrophy at 6 weeks after injury. Our findings demonstrate that mechanical stress is a causative factor for LF hypertrophy and strongly suggest the importance of macrophage infiltration in the progression of LF hypertrophy via the stimulation of collagen production.
Project description:Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF) is a major cause of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and the pathology involves disruption of elastic fibers, fibrosis with increased cellularity and collagens, and/or calcification. Previous studies have implicated the increased expression of the proteoglycan family in hypertrophied LF. Furthermore, the gene expression profile in a rabbit experimental model of LF hypertrophy revealed that biglycan (BGN) is upregulated in hypertrophied LF by mechanical stress. However, the expression and function of BGN in human LF has not been well elucidated. To investigate the involvement of BGN in the pathomechanism of human ligamentum hypertrophy, first we confirmed increased expression of BGN by immunohistochemistry in the extracellular matrix of hypertrophied LF of LSS patients compared to LF without hypertrophy. Experiments using primary cell cultures revealed that BGN promoted cell proliferation. Furthermore, BGN induces changes in cell morphology and promotes myofibroblastic differentiation and cell migration. These effects are observed for both cells from hypertrophied and non-hypertrophied LF. The present study revealed hyper-expression of BGN in hypertrophied LF and function of increased proteoglycan in LF cells. BGN may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of LF hypertrophy through cell proliferation, myofibroblastic differentiation, and cell migration.
Project description:Background and Objectives: Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) often causes myelopathy and/or radiculopathy. The disease is frequently observed in East Asian populations. Although thoracic OLF in young athletes who have underwent decompression surgery has been reported, the removal of posterior spinal bony elements and ligamentous complex may often cause postoperative thoracolumbar instability. We established a novel surgical technique that preserves the posterior spinal elements, including the spinous processes, facet joints, and supraspinous and interspinous ligaments for thoracic OLF. This is the first case report to describe a navigation-assisted micro-window excision of thoracic OLF. Case: A 32-year-old male right-handed professional baseball pitcher with significant weakness and numbness in the left leg was referred to our hospital. The patient was diagnosed with thoracic OLF at T10-11 based on radiographic and magnetic resonance images in August 2022. After exposure of the left T10-11 laminae via a small unilateral incision, the location of T10-11 OLF was detected over the lamina by O-arm navigation. Then, the micro-window was made directly above the OLF using a navigated air drill, and the OLF was removed on the ipsilateral side. The contralateral side of OLF was also resected through the same micro-window, achieving complete spinal cord decompression. Results: The next day of the surgery, his leg weakness and numbness were significantly improved. Six weeks after the surgery, he started pitching. Three months after surgery, his symptoms had gone completely, and he pitched from the mound. Approximately 6 months after surgery, he successfully pitched in a professional baseball game. Conclusions: A navigation-assisted micro-window excision of thoracic OLF effectively preserved the spinal posterior bony elements and ligamentous complex. However, long-term clinical outcomes should be evaluated in future studies.
Project description:Background and Objectives: Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a relatively common cause of thoracic myelopathy. Surgical treatment is recommended for patients with myelopathy. Generally, open posterior decompression, with or without fusion, is selected to treat OLF. We performed minimally invasive posterior decompression using a microendoscope and investigated the efficacy of this approach in treating limited type of thoracic OLF. Materials and Methods: Microendoscopic posterior decompression was performed for 19 patients (15 men and four women) with thoracic OLF with myelopathy aged between 35 to 81 years (mean age, 61.9 years). Neurological examination and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were used to identify the location and morphology of OLF. The surgery was performed using a midline approach or a unilateral paramedian approach depending on whether the surgeon used a combination of a tubular retractor and endoscope. The numerical rating scale (NRS) and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores were compared pre- and postoperatively. Perioperative complications and the presence of other spine surgeries before and after thoracic OLF surgery were also investigated. Results: Four midline and 15 unilateral paramedian approaches were performed. The average operative time per level was 99 min, with minor blood loss. Nine patients had a history of cervical or lumbar spine surgery before or after thoracic spine surgery. The mean pre- and postoperative NRS scores were 6.6 and 5.3, respectively. The mean recovery rate as per the mJOA score was 33.1% (mean follow-up period, 17.8 months), the recovery rates were significantly different between patients who underwent thoracic spine surgery alone (50.5%) and patients who underwent additional spine surgeries (13.7%). Regarding adverse events, one patient experienced dural tear, another experienced postoperative hematoma, and one other underwent reoperation for adjacent thoracic stenosis. Conclusion: Microendoscopic posterior decompression was applicable in limited type of thoracic OLF surgery including beak-shaped type and multi vertebral levels. However, whole spine evaluation is important to avoid missing other combined stenoses that may affect outcomes.
Project description:ObjectiveTo report the outcomes of a posterior hybrid decompression protocol for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) associated with hypertrophic ligamentum flavum (HLF).BackgroundLaminoplasty is widely used in patients with CSM; however, for CSM patients with HLF, traditional laminoplasty does not include resection of a pathological ligamentum flavum.MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed 116 CSM patients with HLF who underwent hybrid decompression with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. The procedure consisted of reconstruction of the C4 and C6 laminae using CENTERPIECE plates with spinous process autografts, and resection of the C3, C5, and C7 laminae. Surgical outcomes were assessed using Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, recovery rate, cervical lordotic angle, cervical range of motion, spinal canal sagittal diameter, bone healing rates on both the hinge and open sides, dural sac expansion at the level of maximum compression, drift-back distance of the spinal cord, and postoperative neck pain assessed by visual analog scale.ResultsNo hardware failure or restenosis was noted. Postoperative JOA score improved significantly, with a mean recovery rate of 65.3 ± 15.5%. Mean cervical lordotic angle had decreased 4.9 degrees by 1 year after surgery (P<0.05). Preservation of cervical range of motion was satisfactory postoperatively. Bone healing rates 6 months after surgery were 100% on the hinge side and 92.2% on the open side. Satisfactory decompression was demonstrated by a significantly increased sagittal canal diameter and cross-sectional area of the dural sac together with a significant drift-back distance of the spinal cord. The dural sac was also adequately expanded at the time of the final follow-up visit.ConclusionHybrid laminectomy and autograft laminoplasty decompression using Centerpiece plates may facilitate bone healing and produce a comparatively satisfactory prognosis for CSM patients with HLF.
Project description:ObjectiveHypertrophy ligamentum flavum (LFH) is a common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis, resulting in significant disability and morbidity. Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with various biological processes and disorders, their involvement in LFH remains not fully understood.MethodsHuman ligamentum flavum samples were analyzed using lncRNA sequencing followed by validation through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To explore the potential biological functions of differentially expressed lncRNA-associated genes, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. We also studied the impact of lncRNA PARD3-AS1 on the progression of LFH in vitro.ResultsIn the LFH tissues when compared to that in the nonhypertrophic ligamentum flavum (LFN) tissues, a total of 1,091 lncRNAs exhibited differential expression, with 645 upregulated and 446 downregulated. Based on GO analysis, the differentially expressed transcripts primarily participated in metabolic processes, organelles, nuclear lumen, cytoplasm, protein binding, nucleic acid binding, and transcription factor activity. Moreover, KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with the hippo signaling pathway, nucleotide excision repair, and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway. The expression of PARD3-AS1, RP11-430G17.3, RP1-193H18.3, and H19 was confirmed to be consistent with the sequencing analysis. Inhibition of PARD3-AS1 resulted in the suppression of fibrosis in LFH cells, whereas the overexpression of PARD3-AS1 promoted fibrosis in LFH cells in vitro.ConclusionThis study identified distinct expression patterns of lncRNAs that are linked to LFH, providing insights into its underlying mechanisms and potential prognostic and therapeutic interventions. Notably, PARD3-AS1 appears to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of LFH.
Project description:Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (HLF) is one of the common causes of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The key molecules and mechanisms responsible for HLF remain unclear. Here, we used an integrated transcriptome and proteomics analysis of human ligamentum flavum (LF), and subsequent immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR assays, to show upregulation of CRLF1 to be the dominant response to HLF. TGF-β1 significantly increased mRNA expression of CRLF1 through SMAD3 pathway. CRLF1 enhanced LF fibrosis via ERK signaling pathway at the post-transcriptional level and was required for the pro-fibrotic effect of TGF-β1. Knockdown of CRLF1 was shown here to reduce fibrosis caused by inflammatory cytokines and mechanical stress. Furthermore, we found that bipedal standing posture can cause HLF and upregulation of CRLF1 expression in mice LF. Overexpression of CRLF1 was indicated to cause HLF in vivo, whereas CRLF1 knockdown impeded the formation of HLF in bipedal standing mice. These results revealed a crucial role of CRLF1 in LF hypertrophy. We propose that inhibition of CRLF1 is a potential therapeutic strategy to treat HLF.
Project description:Here we report a unique case of bilateral ganglion cysts originating from the ligamentum flavum in the cervical spine. Degenerative cysts of the ligamentum flavum are rare lesions, and most had been reported in the lumbar spine. Its occurrence in the cervical spine is extremely rare: only eight have been reported. A 66-year-old male patient presented with progressive paraparesis, pain, and paresthesia in his bilateral T1 dermatomes that had lasted for three weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine demonstrated a well-demarcated cystic lesion in the bilateral dorsolateral aspects of the C7/T1 segment and significant compression of the cervical cord. All case reports of ganglion cysts of the cervical ligamentum flavum including the present one showed characteristic symptoms and signs of myelopathy such as paraparesis or quadriparesis associated with varying degrees of paresthesia or pain in the upper extremities. Ganglion cysts of the cervical ligamentum flavum are considered a cause of cervical radiculomyelopathy due to cervical intraspinal cystic lesions. Bilateral occurrence and associated subluxation of the involved cervical segments again support the degenerative pathogenesis of ganglion cysts of the ligamentum flavum in the cervical spine.