Resumo

CHAVEZ LOPEZ, José Antonio; HERNANDEZ BELLO, Jorge Luis  e  CHAVEZ CISNEROS, Reyna Daena. Calcification of the ligament flavum causing stenosis and lumbar radiculopathy: case report and literature review. Cir. Columna [online]. 2025, vol.3, n.2, pp.121-125.  Epub 14-Maio-2026. ISSN 2992-7749.  https://doi.org/10.35366/119622.

Calcification of the ligamentum flavum is a rare disease that affects mainly elderly women. This calcification is a rare condition in the lumbar spine, different studies conclude that it is more likely to occur in the lower thoracic spine in the first place and in the cervical spine in the second place. The mechanisms of ligament calcification in the lumbar spine are associated with high mechanical stress in this segment, it has been demonstrated that humoral and genetic factors also play an important role for ligament calcification, this suggests that ligamentum flavum calcification is related to alterations in bone metabolism associated with intrinsic factors such as mechanical factors. There are few cases reported in the literature of radicular presentation associated with calcification of the ligamentum flavum in the lumbar spine. In young patients, it may clinically manifest as lumbar myeloradiculopathy. The cauda equina syndrome resulting from compression of the nerve roots consists of lumbar pain, uni or bilateral radicular pain, sensory disorders and alterations in the sexual and/or sphincteric sphere. The most common cause of this syndrome is an extruded disc herniation; however, any lesion that causes compression of the nerve roots distal to the conus medullaris, whether due to tumors, trauma, calcification or ossification of ligament structures and post-surgical complications will result in cauda equina syndrome. We present the case of a 35-year-old female patient with calcification of the ligamentum flavum in the lumbar spine presenting radiculopathy, alterations in sensibility and urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging showed compression of the cauda equina at L4-L5 on the left side. Decompressive laminectomy of L4 and L5 with resection of the calcified ligamentum flavum was performed. Histopathological findings showed acellular hyaline changes and dystrophic calcifications of the ligamentum flavum. Alterations in sensation and urinary incontinence improved after surgery. The understanding of the external factors, the pathogenesis and the clinical presentation supported by imaging studies guide us to the diagnosis of this rare condition.

Palavras-chave : radiculopathy; calcification; ligament flavum; cauda equina syndrome; bladder dysfunction.

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