Morphologic and histologic study of the ligamentum flavum in the thoraco-lumbar region

Viejo-Fuertes, D.; Liguoro, Dominique; Rivel, J; Midy, D.; Guérin, J.

doi:10.1007/s00276-998-0171-6

Cited by 16 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The clinical significance of pathologic changes in the LF has been examined previously (Markiewitz et al, 1996;Viejo-Fuertes et al, 1998). Spinal canal imaging is able not only to diagnose rare disorders but also to aid the development of new surgical techniques.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The deep and superficial layers of the LF adhere to each other firmly (Viejo-Fuertes et al, 1998). The exact function of the LF is unknown, but it is a connective tissue and thought to affect the intrinsic stability of the spine, control to intervertebral movement, and maintenance of a smooth surface of the posterior dural sac (Winkler et al, 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The thickness of the ligamentum flavum in relation to age and gender

et al. 2009

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF) can reduce the diameter of the spinal canal posteriorly. Such stenosis may significantly compress the dural sac and nerve roots, resulting in symptoms, even without a bulging anulus fibrosus or herniated nucleus pulposus. We conducted an anatomical study to determine the influence of age and gender on the thickness of the LF at the lower lumbar levels using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The thickness of 1,280 ligaments was determined at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels from MRIs. We screened 320 patients (152 males [47.5%] and 168 females [52.5%]) between 21 and 82 years of age. There were no significant differences in LF thickness with respect to gender (P > 0.05). Age was not correlated with the thicknesses of the LF. The left LF at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels was significantly thicker than on the right side (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the LF thicknesses at L5-S1 bilaterally were significantly greater than on the corresponding sides at L4-L5 (P < 0.05). The LF is an important anatomical structure, which might cause low back or leg pain. Therefore, the thickness of the LF should be measured and evaluated carefully in the case of spinal stenosis.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The thickness of the ligamentum flavum in relation to age and gender

et al. 2009

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Histologic studies have found that fibrocartilaginous transformation provoked by collagen proliferation and ossification can lead to LF thickening. 6,12 Age-related fibrosis or decrease in the elastin-tocollagen ratio, in combination with biomechanical stress, has been reported to lead to thickening of the LF. [5][6][7] Pathologic studies have revealed leakage of inflammatory cytokines from degenerating facet joints, implicating these molecules as causes of both LF thickening and pain generation in the adjacent nerve fibers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The “Thickened” Ligamentum Flavum: Is It Buckling or Enlargement?

Chokshi¹,

Quencer²,

Smoker³

2010

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The LF has the highest elastincollagen ratio of the spinal ligaments (Yong-Hing et al, 1976;Viejo-Fuertes et al, 1998). It has been shown to be comprised of 50% to 80% elastin fibres, with a 2:1 elastin to collagen ratio, with collagen fibers exhibiting no favored orientation (Nachemson et al, 1968), compared to the other primary ligaments which only contain 5% to 30% elastin fibres (Pintar, 1986).…”

Section: Ligamentum Flavummentioning

confidence: 99%