Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Laminectomy for the Removal of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum TOLF Using Ultrasonic and Conventional Osteotomes
Published on: April 21, 2023
Midline Ligamentum Flavum Cyst of Lumbar Spine
Kevin Shah1, Daniel Segui1, Sergio Gonzalez-Arias1
1Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA.
Background:
Ligamentum flavum cysts are thought to develop due to facet joint hypermobility; however, the etiology of these lesions is not completely elucidated. These cysts may lead to compressive pathologies of the spine requiring surgical intervention.
Case Report:
We report the case of a 63-year-old male with chronic back pain and progressive neurogenic claudication for 6 months. He was found to have a ligamentum flavum cyst situated along the dorsal midline of the lumbar spinal canal contributing to spinal stenosis. The patient underwent a decompressive L4 laminectomy and en bloc excision of the ligamentum flavum cyst with complete resolution of his symptoms postoperatively.
Conclusions:
We suggest that chronic mechanical stress leads to degeneration of the ligamentum flavum and contributes directly to cyst formation.

