Thoracic cord compression due to ossified hypertrophied ligamentum flavum

Ossified ligamentum flavum is increasingly appreciated as an important cause of thoracic myeloradiculopathy. Fifteen patients with age ranging from 30-61 years were studied. Fourteen presented with spastic paraparesis, and radiculopathy was the only complaint in one patient. Routine skiagrams and myelograms showed non-specific changes. Baseline CT and CT myelogram, however, documented the ossification of ligamentum flavum comprehensively. MRI was done in three patients. Multiple levels of the disease were seen in two cases. Four patients had ossified posterior longitudinal ligament. Thickened ligamentum flavum should be considered as an important cause of thoracic cord compression.