Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Decompression for Thoracic Spinal Stenosis Secondary to Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum
Issued Date
2024-10-01
Resource Type
eISSN
25082043
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85208631214
Journal Title
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique
Volume
9
Issue
2
Start Page
186
End Page
189
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique Vol.9 No.2 (2024) , 186-189
Suggested Citation
Park C.W., Santipas B. Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Decompression for Thoracic Spinal Stenosis Secondary to Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum. Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique Vol.9 No.2 (2024) , 186-189. 189. doi:10.21182/jmisst.2024.01326 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/102067
Title
Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Decompression for Thoracic Spinal Stenosis Secondary to Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum
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Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) in the thoracic spine is a cause of thoracic myelop-athy that is more commonly found in East Asian populations (Koreans, Japanese, Chinese) than in others. Early diagnosis and sufficient surgical decompression can improve the functional prognosis for thoracic OLF. Surgical decompression is necessary and should be done as soon as the symptoms develop. There is a wide range of possible treatments, from standard open lami-nectomy to endoscopic decompression surgery. This video demonstrates the least invasive technique of decompressive laminectomy with bilateral decompression and removal of thoracic OLF through unilateral biportal endoscopic spinal surgery. The authors present the case of an 81-year-old male patient who presented with bilateral lower extremity weakness, numbness, pain, and ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans of the whole spine showed the presence of OLF with severe spinal canal stenosis and a cord signal change at the T9–10 level. He underwent biportal endoscopic decompression and removal of thoracic OLF at T9–10. On the discharge day (postoperative day 7), motor power and pain had significantly improved. He could stand and independently ambulate with a walker.