Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (52): 9756-9759.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010. 52.017

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Correlation between ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and lumbar spinal stenosis by measurement of CT image

Kan Min-hui, Cheng Ai-guo, Du Ning   

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, Tangshan Second Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei Province, China
  • Online:2010-12-24 Published:2010-12-24
  • About author:Kan Min-hui★, Master, Attending physician, Department of Anesthesiology, Tangshan Second Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei Province, China commando_lee@126.com

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: CT examination can measure spinal canal diameters and analyze stenosis type, appearance, degree, and correlation with surrounding tissues to help diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of the degenerative and hypertrophied lumbar ligamentum flavum on LSS by measurement of CT image.
METHODS: Ligamentum flavum specimens were obtained from a total of three groups of patients: LSS, lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and spinal fractures. These slices were selected for hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the pathologic features. The CT scan was used normally in LSS and LDH groups. The thickness of the capsular portion of the ligament and the front-back oblique diameter of lumbar canal were measured in different lumbar interspace. Intervertebral disc plane and vertebral arch superior thyroid notch plane were selected for measuring the two data. The thickness of ligamentum flavum and its relationship to LSS were analyzed by computing the ratio of the thickness to the front-back oblique diameter of lumbar canal.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The mean thickness of ligamentum flavum was greater than (4.79±1.07) mm, and ratio of ligamentum flavum thickness to the front-back oblique diameter of lumbar canal was greater than 0.41±0.08 in LSS group, and (3.18±0.71) mm, and 0.26±0.07 in LDH group. The difference between LSS and LDH was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The ratio of ligamentum flavum thickness to the front-back oblique diameter of lumbar canal was significantly greater in LSS group compared with LDH and spinal fracture groups. Results demonstrated that the measurement of thickness of ligamentum flavum (> 4 mm) and ratio of ligamentum flavum thickness to the front-back oblique diameter of lumbar canal ≥0.41 may function as one of indexes of choosing LSS operable indication.

CLC Number: