Journal of Spine

Chest Discomfort Secondary to Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum of the Thoracic Spine: A Case Report

Abstract

Chungnam Lee, Minsoo Kang, Sangho Lee, Yonghwan Shin and Chanhong Park

Symptomatic thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum is rare, and a modality for its treatment has not yet been fully established; most reported patients complained of myelopathy. Herein, the authors will report on an extremely rare presentation of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum, along with clinical outcomes. The patient complained of chest discomfort and myelopathy symptoms for 1 year secondary to thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum. He underwent one surgical procedure. Postoperatively, his symptoms such as chest discomfort and myelopathy improved completely. As of this report, the patient has had a good postoperative recovery, had good overall health, and adapted well to his social activities.