Effects of thinned cap uncovering technique on treatment for thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the outcome of treatment for thoracic vertebra ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF)with en-bloc removal of the spinal canal’s posterior wall termed as the “thinned cap uncovering”technique.Methods From 2003 to 2013,56 patients with OLF were treated with thinned cap uncovering technique.In this group,there were 40 male patients and 1 6 female ones,with the average age of 45 years (range of 30-65 years)and the average history of 3 years.The 56 patients were followed up for an average duration of 2 years and 7 months (1-5 years).Results According to WANG’s evaluation,45 cases (about 80%) had excellent results,9 cases (about 1 6%)had good results,and 3 cases had improved symptoms,the excellence to good rates being 96%.Conclusion Removal of the posterior wall of the spinal canal via “thinned cap uncovering”technique is a reliable and effective treatment for thoracic OLF.The strategy for successful operation is to use high speed drill to cut bone accurately,which allows discectomy for thoracic vertebra and to diminish faults and complications during the surgical procedure.