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Case of ossification of the ligamentum flavum causing cauda equina compression

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is characterized by heterotopic bone formation within the ligamentum flavum. It typically causes progressive, chronic spinal canal stenosis, but only rarely acute cauda equina syndromes. Case Description: A 29-year-old patient presented with cauda equina syndrome characterized by saddle numbness, urinary incontinence, and bilateral foot drop. She underwent an urgent decompression for a disc herniation, at which time the surgeons encountered severe OLF, causing cauda equina compression. After performing a computed tomography scan to assess the extent of ossification, the patient was taken back to the operating room for completion of the original laminectomy with extension to an adjacent level. Her postoperative recovery was uneventful. Conclusion: Here, a 29-year-old presented with cauda equina syndrome attributed to a herniated lumbar disc and single-level OLF.

Source: Surgical Neurology International

DOI: 10.25259/sni_185_2026

Authors: Joseph Graham, William Cato-Addison

Institutions: East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Sussex County Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7148814201

FWCI:

Cites: 7

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