A rare case of paraplegia due to thoracic ossification of the yellow ligament and thoracic vertebral compression fracture is reported. A 70-year-old female with thoracic ossification of yellow ligament developed severe spinal cord symptoms after mild trauma. Radiographic evaluation showed spinal cord compression caused by an anterior bone fragment and posterior ossification of the the yellow ligament. The patient was treated surgically with posterior decompression and fusion using Dick's transpedicular screw system. Good alignment of the spine was shown on the postoperative X-ray. Although the follow up period is only eight months, the patient has had no neurological deterioration. Spinal fusion combined with decompression should be indicated to prevent neurological deterioration due to kyphosis after laminectomy.
