Ligamentum flavum cysts causing incapacitating lumbar spinal stenosis

Can J Neurol Sci. 2005 May;32(2):237-42. doi: 10.1017/s0317167100004030.

Abstract

Background: Cysts of the ligamentum flavum are rare and unusual causes of spinal compression.

Methods: We report our experience of four cases of ligamentum flavum cysts occurring in the lumbar spine and discuss some of the possible etiologies and pathophysiologic mechanisms according to the available literature.

Conclusion: This entity is clearly different from the synovial facet-joints or ganglion cysts.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Cysts / pathology*
  • Cysts / surgery
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy
  • Ligamentum Flavum / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligamentum Flavum / pathology*
  • Ligamentum Flavum / surgery
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sciatica / etiology
  • Sciatica / physiopathology
  • Sciatica / surgery
  • Spinal Canal / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Canal / pathology
  • Spinal Canal / surgery
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / injuries
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / pathology
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / physiopathology
  • Spinal Stenosis / etiology*
  • Spinal Stenosis / pathology*
  • Spinal Stenosis / surgery
  • Spondylolisthesis / complications
  • Spondylolisthesis / pathology
  • Spondylolisthesis / physiopathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Zygapophyseal Joint / pathology
  • Zygapophyseal Joint / physiopathology