Thoracic spondylosis: experience of 4 cases

Thoracic spondylosis is relatively uncommon compared to cervical or lumbar spondylosis. It may cause spinal canal stenosis and result in radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication, and most commonly, myelopathy. We present our experience in the management of 4 cases with symptomatic thoracic spondylosis. The lower thoracic spine was involved in all 4 cases. The pathological changes are almost the same as in cervical or lumbar spondylosis except that ossification of ligamenta flava is more common in thoracic spondylosis. The ossified ligamenta flava may adhere tightly to the dura mater, and therefore increase the difficulty of operation. The results of decompressive laminectomy for thoracic spondylosis were acceptable.