Yellow Ligament Hypertrophy in Tunisia: Treatments at attractive prices

What are the causes ?

The hypertrophy of the yellow ligament is mainly caused by common pathologies such as degenerative osteoarthritis, infection, trauma such as a motor vehicle accident. car and metastases. Additionally, disorders such as lumbar canal stenosis, spondyloarthrosis, and disc degeneration may be linked to hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum.
In addition, hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum can be caused by a fibrotic process linked to an increase in collagen VI, as well as by aging, removal during discectomy and pressure from the spinal disc following degenerative disc disease or herniated disc.

What are the symptoms ?

Enlarged ligamentum flavum can compress the spinal cord by narrowing the spinal canal. Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis may include leg pain, numbness, tingling, muscle pain, difficulty walking, and lower back pain. The ligaments that hold the vertebra together may thicken or change shape, which can lead to enlargement of the ligamentum flavum. During an MRI performed to detect pathologies such as hernias or bulges, where hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum can be observed, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy can be diagnosed. Diagnosis can also be based on symptoms associated with the spine.

How to diagnose ?

The best way to diagnose ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine. The most accurate test to assess the condition of the ligamentum flavum of the spine is MRI. The doctor may also order additional tests, such as x-rays, which may show enlargement of the joint surfaces. If the patient cannot undergo an MRI, an axial CT scan will be performed to diagnose ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Diagnosis can also be based on symptoms associated with the spine.

What are the treatment options?

The severity of symptoms and the underlying cause of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy determine the treatment options available. Here are some potential solutions:
Physiotherapy: To relieve the symptoms of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, specific exercises to strengthen muscles and improve mobility can be offered.
Depending on the cause: A discectomy may be considered to remove part of a disc intervertebral muscle that presses on the spinal nerves if hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum is the result of disc degeneration.
Injections: Corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
Treatment of underlying causes: If ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is caused by an infection, antibiotic treatment may be prescribed.
Treatment of symptoms: To relieve symptoms associated with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants may be prescribed.
Surgery: In some cases, it may be necessary to perform surgery to decompress the nerve roots and release the space occupied by hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum. Unilateral decompression, bone fusion with or without posterior instrumentation, or intradiscal cage fusion are some examples of surgical procedures.

Are there any recommended exercises for ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?

Although there are no specific exercises recommended to treat ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, muscle strengthening and stretching exercises can help relieve symptoms associated with this condition. Core exercises can be helpful, but because of the pain, they are often difficult to perform. Physical therapy exercises can relieve symptoms by strengthening muscles and increasing mobility. For advice on the most appropriate exercises for each person, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

What are the risks associated with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?

The spinal canal may become narrowed due to hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum, especially in patients with spondyloarthrosis and disc and facet degeneration. This can lead to spinal stenosis, which compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking.

How does the surgery take place?

Surgery for ligamentum flavum hypertrophy may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying causes. Decompression, laminectomy, foraminotomy, arthrectomy, spinal fusion, dynamic stabilization, pure analgesia, minimally invasive surgery or cage fusion are some examples of surgical procedures. To free the spinal cord and compressed nerve, surgery may involve removing bony growths, thickened ligamentum flavum, and part of the neural arch. To stabilize the spine, interspinous and instrumentation techniques can be used. The possibilities are almost endless as the surgical procedures mentioned above can be combined. Even in old age, surgery is often the most effective solution.
A narrow lumbar canal operation releases compression under the control of an operating microscope, releases compressed nerves and widens the spinal canal. The surgery is a routine procedure that has few complications, even in older people.

How long does it take to recover?

Recovery time after ligamentum flavum hypertrophy surgery depends on the severity of the stenosis, the surgical technique used, and the patient's general health factors. Recovery can usually take several weeks to several months. It is normal to have some local pain and inflammation after surgery, which can last a few days to several weeks.
After surgery, patients often need to stay in a hospital or rehabilitation center for a few days to a week to manage their pain and aid their recovery. To relieve surgery-related symptoms, patients may be given medications against pain, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants during the recovery period.
During recovery, patients may be encouraged to look into activities that promote mobility so they can avoid excessive movement.

Is it painful ?

The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, which prevents the use of pain medication during and after the operation. However, after surgery, the patient may experience local pain and general inflammation. Doctors may prescribe pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants to relieve surgery-related symptoms.

What are the advantages of surgery ?

Surgery for ligamentum flavum hypertrophy has no direct benefits as it is a last resort treatment option. However, due to compression of spinal nerves and nerve roots, surgery may benefit patients with chronic pain and significant functional limitations. Surgery can improve quality of life and relieve patients' symptoms. The benefits of surgery vary depending on the severity of symptoms and underlying causes, and the technique used.

Are there any prevention methods?

There are no ways to prevent ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. However, certain actions can help maintain spinal health and reduce the risk of developing spinal stenosis. Maintaining good posture, strengthening your back and core muscles, doing stretching and mobility exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight are all examples of these measures. Avoiding sudden movements and prolonged positions that put excessive strain on the spine is also recommended.

What is the difference between ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and other spinal conditions?

Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is a spinal disease characterized by swelling and degeneration of the ligamentum flavum, which can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal. Narrowing of the spinal canal can also be caused by other spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, but their origin is different from ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.
The bulging or protrusion of the intervertebral disc, disc herniation, lumbar osteoarthritis (particularly when “parrot beaks” are present), ligamentous hypertrophy (particularly of the posterior longitudinal ligament or the ligamentum flavum ), facet joint hypertrophy, degenerative spondylolisthesis, or epidural fat deposition may be causes of spinal stenosis.
In summary, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and other spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, can cause narrowing of the spinal canal, but their origins and causes are different.