Research
Morphological and Histological Changes in Ligamentum Flavum in Degenerative Lumbar Canal Stenosis in Indian Population
Study Design: Prospective multidisciplinary study — Clinical, radiologic and histological assessment using human samples of the lumbar ligamentum flavum. Objectives: To evaluate Clinical, morphological, histological changes and relationship between inflammation and scar formation in ligamentum flavum in degenerative lumbar spine. Methods: The thickness of 180 Ligamenta Flava at L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1 levels in 47 patients were measured using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The relationship between thickness, age, and level was evaluated. Histologic evaluation performed in 87 Ligamenta Flava samples obtained after 47 patients underwent decompressive surgery of the spinal canal. Trichrome stain, Verhoeff stain, and H & E stain were used. Degree of fibrosis, loss of elastic fibers and calcification were studied using the above-mentioned stains, respectively.
