Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum as a Result of Fluorosis Causing Myelopathy: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Fluorosis should be entertained in the differential diagnosis of OLF, especially in patients from endemic areas. The magnetic resonance imaging appearance of the spine in such cases is characteristic. In properly selected cases of fluorotic myelopathy, surgery is indicated. However, the prognosis is guarded, and long-term follow-up of these patients is necessary given the nature of the underlying disease.

Spinal Cord Compression Revealing Fluorosis

“…Neurological impairments complicating chronic fluorosis, best visualized by MRI [5], are often irreversible; but a favorable outcome may be achieved with early surgical treatment, as it has been showed in our case.…”

Dural Ossification in Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum

“…34 In recent times, OLF is being increasingly reported from the rest of the world. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Hence, knowledge about the various facets of this disease entity is important. Many studies have dealt with the clinical features, radiology, and surgical outcome of this condition.…”

Ossification of the ligamentum flavum in a Caucasian man

“…Currently, hypotheses about the contribution of mechanical/traumatic, 20,28,62 metabolic, 31,65 environmental, 35,37 chronic degenerative, 34,52 and biological/hereditary factors 24,69 have been proposed to explain the course of disease. Efforts directed at discovering the possible genetic components of OLF and OPLL have revealed certain human leukocyte antigen haplotypes 50 as well as genes such as COL6A1 to be associated with disease presentation.…”