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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2017; 78(03): 286-290
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1586253
Surgical Technique
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Lamina Fenestration Technique for Treatment of Thoracic Ossified Ligamentum Flavum: 2-Year Follow-Up Result

Sang Soo Eun
1   Department of Orthopaedics, Spine Health Wooridul Hospital, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the Republic of Korea
,
Ramakant Kumar
1   Department of Orthopaedics, Spine Health Wooridul Hospital, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the Republic of Korea
,
Won Gyu Choi
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Health Wooridul Hospital, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the Republic of Korea
,
Hyung Rae Cho
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Health Wooridul Hospital, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the Republic of Korea
,
Sang Ho Lee
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Health Wooridul Hospital, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the Republic of Korea
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

27 November 2015

27 May 2016

Publication Date:
22 August 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Background The incidence of thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) is increasing, and the available surgical techniques were invasive.

Study Aims To evaluate the surgical outcome and prognostic factors in relation to clinicoradiologic variables with a novel minimally invasive lamina fenestration technique in patients with thoracic OLF.

Patients and Methods Between July 2005 and November 2010, 27 levels with 50 lesions in 17 patients were treated with the lamina fenestration technique for the decompression of thoracic OLF. This technique creates a keyhole in the lamina, preserving lower lamina bone, facet joint, and ligamentum flavum. Patient outcome was analyzed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and progression of kyphosis on simple X-ray.

Results All patients were successfully treated with the laminar fenestration technique. There was one dural tear but no neural complication or injury. Mean length of follow-up was 49 months. Mean JOA score improved from 4.88 to 7 (p = 0.000). Six patients had an excellent surgical outcome; 10 had a good surgical outcome according to JOA scoring.

Conclusion The lamina fenestration technique for the treatment of thoracic OLF had a successful outcome with few complications. This technique can be a minimally invasive surgical option for the treatment of thoracic OLF.

Keywords

OLF - fenestration - ligamentum flavum - keyhole foraminotomy
 

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