Abstract
Background Seed-type partial ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) causing severe radiculopathy
after rupture has not yet been described in the literature.
Case Description A 51-year-old man presented with sudden onset severe back pain and right anterior
thigh pain without any neurologic deficit after lifting a heavy weight. On preoperative
computed tomography, we identified a ruptured seed-type partial OLF at the L1–L2 level.
T2-weighted magnetic resonance sagittal and axial images showed thecal sac compression
by the ruptured OLF. There was no improvement in his symptoms after 2 weeks of conservative
management. The patient had percutaneous full endoscopic interlaminar removal of OLF.
Postoperatively he experienced prompt improvement of his symptoms.
Conclusion Rupture of seed-type partial OLF causing severe radiculopathy is extremely rare,
and percutaneous endoscopy is a safe and effective alternative to open surgery in
selected cases.
Keywords
ossification - ligamentum flavum - seed type - percutaneous endoscopy
