Pathophysiology of Calcification and Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum in the Cervical Spine.

Calcification of the ligamentum flavum (CLF) and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) in the cervical spine are differential diagnoses in patients with posterior extradural compressive lesions related to cervical degenerative disease. Preoperative computed tomography can facilitate the detection of characteristic findings and help to distinguish between CLF and OLF. Although these are rare entities in the cervical spine, adequately timed surgical decompression is required in most patients who present with radiculomyelopathy.