Abstract
Three patients, aged between 71 and 83 years, with cervical myelopathy due to calcification of the ligamenta flava are presented here.
Radiological examinations showed that calcified nodules were located paramedially in the posterior spinal canal.
Results of the operative treatment carried out in two cases were satisfactory.
The calcium deposit was analyzed by X-ray diffraction in one case and proved to be a mixture of hydroxyapatite and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD).
A total of 56 cases including ours were reported in detail in the literatures.
These studies showed the following noteworthy findings:
1. The majority of the patients were elderly and the ages ranged between 39 and 83, with a mean of 66.1 years old.
2. It was found predominantly in women (46 of 56 cases).
3. The calcified lesions were mainly observed at multiple lesions of the middle and lower cervical spine.
4. Calcification at other locations occurred in 20 cases (meniscus, pubic symphysis. and coxal labrum).
5. Ossification at other locations was observed in 12 cases (OPLL, and OYL).
6. X-ray diffraction and infrared absorption analysis were performed in 20 cases to determine the components of the calcified substances. CPPD was detected in 8, hydroxyapatite in 8, both CPPD and hydroxyapatite in 2 and calcium phosphate dibasic in 2 cases.
