Abstract
We report a case of paraparesis caused by hematoma of the ligamentum flavum. A 72-year-old man complcined of back and leg pain after lifting a heavy pack. 10 days later, the patient suffered from gait disturbance. On examination, the patient had showed 3/4 of normal strength in the lower extremity. Sensation and reflexes were normal. MRI demonstrated a severe spinal stenosis at L3-L4, caused by a posterior mass. Within the mass, areas of high signal intensity were noted. At operation, the right lamina at L3 noted brown and fragile. A solid mass was found, firmly adhered, posteriorly to the dural sac at L3-L4, and oozy tissue was identified around the mass. Initially we suspected the mass to be a metastatic epidural tumor. Pathological examination, however, revealed hemorrhage within the ligament. There was no evidence of neoplasm or infection.
