What is ligamentum flavum thickening and facet arthropathy?

What is ligamentum flavum thickening and facet arthropathy?

It is an extremely elastic ligament, which connects the spinal bones through its two laminae, articular joints (facets and pedicles) attachment points on each side of the spine, from C2-S1. The thickening of ligamentum flavum is common among gym-goers and those involved in heavy lifting or repetitive movements.

What does hypertrophic facet arthropathy mean?

Facet Hypertrophy is a condition in which there is a swelling, or enlargement, of the facet joint. This swelling in the facet joint can increase to the point where nerves in the spine come under pressure causing pain and discomfort.

Is ligamentum flavum thickening serious?

The inflammation then leads to hypertrophic scar formation (fibrosis) (Sairyo et al., 2007). The ligamentum flavum can also ossify over a long period of time, which can lead to serious vertebral canal stenosis.

How do you treat ligamentum flavum thickening?

The current treatment approach for LF thickening includes operative and nonoperative treatment. Operative treatment includes such procedures as excision of the LF, decompressive laminectomy, and minimally invasive decompression.

What is disc desiccation?

Disc desiccation is one of the most common features of degenerative disc disease. It refers to the dehydration of your discs. Your vertebral discs are full of fluid, which keeps them both flexible and sturdy. As you age, the discs begin to dehydrate or slowly lose their fluid.

What is l5 s1 facet arthropathy?

Facet Arthropathy (FA) is a painful, arthritic condition of the facet joints. These joints allow for bending, twisting, and alignment of the spine. The spinal nerves come off the spinal cord between the vertebra and the facet joints.

What causes hypertrophic ligamentum flavum?

It is thought to be mostly from fibrosis caused by the accumulation of mechanical stress with the aging process, especially along the dorsal aspect of the ligamentum flavum. The thickness of the ligamentum flavum increases with age and this increase is thought to the most pronounced at the lower lumbar levels 3.

What does desiccation of the spine mean?

What are the symptoms of thickening of ligamentum flavum?

Thickening of Ligamentum flavum (hypertrophy) can lead to varying degrees of symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, pain radiating down to the arms or legs, numbness, and tingling, inability to stand, walk or lift arms and even paralysis. Ligamentum Flavum is an elastic ligament.

What is ligamentum flavum hypertrophy in the low back?

Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy in the low back (lumbar spine) produces sciatica-like symptoms. Sciatica is descriptive of symptoms of pain ( leg pain) along the course of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve emerges from the lower lumbar segments and provides nerve innervations to the buttocks, thighs, legs, and feet.

What is the function or purpose of ligamentum flavum (LF)?

The buckling of LF (ligamentum flavum hypertrophy) is the main reason why many complain of increased pain during weight-bearing positions or when they extend the spine. What Is The Function or Purpose Of Ligamentum Flavum (LF)? Elastin, which we will discuss in upcoming sections, provides ligamentum flavum (LF) significant elasticity.

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