Case Report: Multilevel Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum in a Patient With Spinal Osteoblastoma

Canada T. Montgomery, Stephen P. Miranda, Ernest Nelson, Katie Louka, MacLean Nasrallah, Paul J. Zhang, Joel Stein, Dmitriy Petrov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal osteoblastomas are primary benign bone tumors most commonly presenting as diffuse back pain in young adults. Rarely, spinal osteoblastoma is associated with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF), a form of ectopic bone formation, which can present with myelopathy. This report highlights a unique case of a patient with spinal osteoblastoma, associated OLF, and thoracic myelopathy. Case Description: The patient presented with subtle myelopathy consisting of mid-thoracic back pain, paresthesias, and gait instability. Imaging findings were suggestive of spinal osteoblastoma with multifocal OLF. The patient was consented for thoracic decompression and stabilization at the T6-10 levels. Histopathology confirmed osteoblastoma with associated OLF. At follow up, the patient’s neurological symptoms had completely resolved. Conclusion: This case describes management for a rare presentation of osteoblastoma with associated OLF and myelopathy. Surgeons should be wary of disproportionate neurological compromise when spinal osteoblastoma is associated with OLF. Further study is required to elucidate the pathogenesis of this condition.

Original languageEnglish
Article number890965
JournalFrontiers in Surgery
Volume9
DOIs
StatePublished - 29 Jun 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • myelopathy
  • neurological compromise
  • neurosurgery
  • ossification of the ligamentum flavum
  • spinal osteoblastoma

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