Changes in the Concentration Profile of Selected Micro- and Macro-Elements in the Yellow Ligament Obtained from Patients with Degenerative Stenosis of the Lumbo-Sacral Spine.

Background/Objectives: Degenerative lumbo-sacral spinal stenosis is characterized by spinal canal narrowing, often linked to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. This study evaluated the elemental composition of ligamentum flavum tissue in DLSS patients compared to healthy controls. Methods: This study involved 180 patients diagnosed with degenerative lumbo-sacral spinal stenosis and 102 healthy controls. Ligamentum flavum samples were analyzed for concentrations of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Statistical analyses were conducted using Student's t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: The study group exhibited significantly elevated levels of Mg (p < 0.001), Ca (p = 0.014), and P (p = 0.006), along with reduced concentrations of Zn (p = 0.021) and Cu (p = 0.038) compared to controls. No statistically significant differences were observed for Na, K, Mn, or Fe (p > 0.05). Elemental imbalances were more pronounced in individuals with higher body mass index (BMI) and varied by gender. Pain intensity demonstrated a significant correlation with Zn (p = 0.012) and Na (p = 0.045), but no consistent associations with Mg, Ca, or P. Conclusions: Altered Mg, Ca, P, and Zn levels in ligamentum flavum suggest their involvement in degenerative lumbo-sacral spinal stenosis pathophysiology. These elements may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for mitigating spinal canal narrowing.