Calcification of lumbar ligamentum flavum and facet joints capsule.

STUDY

DESIGN

The incidence of calcification in ligamentum flavum and posterior capsule demonstrated by computed tomography was reviewed in a series of 147 patients in whom 419 lumbar levels were studied.

OBJECTIVES

To find a relationship between mechanical lumbar pathology and the calcification of the ligamentum flavum and posterior capsule.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Calcification of the ligamentum flavum and posterior capsule has been found in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and in metabolic disorders. Although this fact is considered a manifestation of degenerative disease of the spine, it barely has been studied, and many questions remain unresolved.

METHODS

Calcifications were classified according to location as follows: 1) ligamentum flavum: upper attachment, lateral or capsular extension, caudal attachment, interlaminar portion or 2) posterior capsule.

RESULTS

The following statistical associations were found: 1) degenerative facet joint disease with posterior capsule and lateral or capsular extension calcifications, 2) lumbarized vertebra with lateral or capsular extension and upper attachment calcifications, and 3) isthmic spondylolisthesis with lateral or capsular extension calcification.