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Ossification of thoracic ligamenta flava.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|July 1, 1983
Summary
Ligamentum flavum ossification (LFO) is often found in asymptomatic individuals. This study detected LFO on screening chest X-rays in 6.2% of males and 4.8% of females, suggesting it may be a normal finding.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
- Anatomy
Background:
- Ligamentum flavum ossification (LFO) is a common finding, but its detection on routine screening chest radiographs is not well-documented.
- Previous literature lacks reports on LFO identified incidentally on lateral chest X-rays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of ligamentum flavum ossification (LFO) incidentally detected on lateral chest radiographs.
- To assess if LFO detected on screening chest X-rays is associated with neurologic symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1,744 consecutive lateral chest radiographs.
- Analysis of LFO prevalence, location, morphology, and association with symptoms.
Main Results:
- Ligamentum flavum ossification (LFO) was identified in 6.2% of males and 4.8% of females.
- LFO predominantly occurred at the T9-T10 to T12-L1 levels, often hook-shaped.
- No neurologic symptoms were reported by individuals with detected LFO.
Conclusions:
- Ligamentum flavum ossification (LFO) is frequently detected on screening lateral chest radiographs.
- LFO appears to be a physiologic condition, often asymptomatic, and independent of other ossification disorders.
- Radiographic visualization of LFO begins between 20-40 years of age.