Ligamentum flavum thickness in degenerative disc disease

ABSTRACT

This hospital based study was carried out over a period of 03 months, to assess the thickness of the ligamentum flavum in degenerative disc disease. Forty eight patients with backache and sciatica were selected at random and entered into the study. Majority of the patients fell into the age bracket of 30-40 years. Fifty Eight of patients had sciatica on the right side and 81% on the left side. They were investigated with the help of myelography and MRI scan. At the operation, the ligamentum was meticulously excised and its thickness in millimeters was measured. The thickness of ligamentum flavum so obtained was analysed in relation to age, duration of symptoms and the condition of disc whether protruded, prolapsed or sequestrated. A clear cut relationship was found between the degree of the prolapse and the thickness of the ligamentum flavum