{"id":"84175c1c-b90c-451c-b4f4-0a0a155f5844","slug":"using-the-ligamentum-flavum-gap-to-identify-originally-missed-type-b-vertebral-fractures","title":"Using the “ligamentum flavum gap” to identify originally missed type B vertebral fractures","authors":["Guiroy Alfredo","Zanardi Carlos","Picard Nelson","Sícoli Alfredo","Morales C. Alejandro","Falavigna Asdrúbal"],"abstract":"Background: Spine fractures may involve the ligamentum flavum (LF). Here, we utilized the “ligamentum flavum gap,” defined by the discontinuity of the LF at the level of a vertebral fracture, to document a vertebral fracture. Methods: Utilizing X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) studies, 10 patients with type B vertebral fractures were diagnosed with the ligamentum flavum gap (LFG: discontinuity of the LF) at the fracture levels. The fractures were located in 2 patients in the cervical and 8 in the thoracolumbar spine. Results: All 10 patients with vertebral fractures had complained of axial pain. Four also showed progressive thoracic kyphosis. Notably, all demonstrated a loss of continuity in the LF at the level of fracture “ligamentum flavum gap.” T2-weighted and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) MR sagittal studies were best at locating LFG at the level of a fracture. Conclusion: Here, we identified best on sagittal T2 and STIR-weighted MR studies 10 patients for whom discontinuity of the ligamentum flavum (LFG) correlated with the location of type B vertebral fractures.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/84175c1c-b90c-451c-b4f4-0a0a155f5844/featured/hero-1782420885868.png","publishDate":"2018-01-10T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/sni.sni_390_17","categories":["Spine","Technical Note"],"fullTextUrl":"http://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/8720/SNI-9-5.pdf"}