{"id":"e59336ef-e71a-4f92-a259-058e5435d838","slug":"ossification-of-the-ligamentum-flavum-as-cause-of-thoracic-cord-compression-case-report-of-a-latin-american-man-and-review-of-the-literature","title":"Ossification of the ligamentum flavum as cause of thoracic cord compression: Case report of a Latin American man and review of the literature","authors":["Javier A. Toledo","Facundo Van Isseldyk","Martín Re","Miguel Garrote"],"abstract":"Background: Ossification of the ligamentum flavum is a widely described pathology in eastern Asia. Cases have been reported in northern Africa, the Middle-East, India, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America, but no cases from Latin America have been published in the literature. It affects mostly elderly men, with a possible association with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Case Description: A 38-year-old previously healthy Latin American male presented to the emergency room department with severe functional disability and a 3/5 paraparesis. Blood reports showed no abnormalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a ligamentum flavum ossification with myelopathy. The patient underwent a T3-T9 laminotomy. At hospital discharge, the patient remained with a 3/5 paraparesis, mild hypoesthesia in both lower limbs and bladder incontinence. Rectal sphincter was continent. At 6 months, he was able to walk with a cane, with no sphincter or sensory alterations. Conclusions: Ligamentum flavum ossification is rare. To our understanding, this is the first case reported in the Latin American population.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/e59336ef-e71a-4f92-a259-058e5435d838/featured/hero-1782421052621.png","publishDate":"2013-09-19T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.118489","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"http://sni.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3778/SNI-4-119.pdf"}