Thickness of ligamentum flavum of LS spine in MRI and its correlation with age, sex and its symmetry

Motivation: A clear anatomic description of ligamentum flavum is important to surgeon who enters the spinal canal prior to surgery . Morphometry may vary according to different races and ethinicity. Studies till now have mostly discussed about the thickness of ligamentum flavum in degenerative subjects with existing low back pain. Goal(s): We aim to measure the thickness of Ligamentum Flavum in normal subjects. Approach: A prospective study was carried out in subjects with normal MRI findings. Results: The thickness of ligamentum flavum measured was L3-L4: right 1.8 mm, left 1.98 mm, L4-L5 : right 2.22 mm ,left 2.29 and L4-L5 :right 2.33 mm , left 2.38 mm Impact: Our data will aid finding the thickness of ligamentum flavum in Nepalese population. Any thickening in the symptomatic population will help in early identification of ligamentum flavum thickening which improves the treatment leading to positive outcome and reduction of complication