Cervical cord compression due to ossification of the ligamentum flavum – A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic compression of the cervical spinal cord by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is rare. It typically involves the elderly and is particularly prominent in the Asian male population. Here, we present a 70-year-old Pakistani female who became quadriparetic due to OLF. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 70-year-old female became increasingly quadriparetic over 3 months duration, but exhibited preservation of vibration and proprioception. The cervical magnetic resonance/computed tomography revealed dorsal OLF measuring 7 mm × 25 mm × 14 mm. Two months following a decompressive laminectomy, her symptoms fully resolved. CONCLUSION: Although rare in older patients, cervical OLF may contribute to significant cervical myelopathy characterized by a progressive quadriparesis that can be readily resolved with a decompressive laminectomy.