Article reviewed and approved by Dr. Ibtissama Boukas, physician specializing in family medicine
A flavectomy is the surgical removal of the yellow ligament. This operation reduces the pressure exerted by a hypertrophied or dysfunctional ligamentum flavum in the spinal canal, and thus reduces pain.
This article explains everything you need to know about flavectomy.
Definition and anatomy
The yellow ligaments are ligaments that run between the laminae of the vertebrae from spine. They are located throughout the spine (on both sides), from the C2 cervical vertebra to the S1 vertebra.
They contain elastic fibers that allow them to contract naturally, in some ways. Therefore, they help in extending the spine and maintaining upright posture. In addition, the yellow ligaments prevent excessive flexion of the spine by their tension.
The yellow ligament can undergo degeneration with age, or after repeated trauma. Under these circumstances, it loses elastic capacity, and increases in thickness. Due to hypertrophy (called yellow ligament hypertrophy), other related structures may be irritated, pinched or even compressed. We think in particular of the spinal cord and the emerging nerve roots.
This can lead to potentially serious spinal injuries, such as cauda equina syndrome, narrow lumbar canal, or a spinal cord compression.
Procedure
A flavectomy is performed to decompress the spinal canal. Whether due to hypertrophy of the yellow ligament, or herniated disc forcing the yellow ligament to sink into the Spinal canal, excision of this ligament will release pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
Flavectomy is sometimes associated with laminectomies to better free the spinal canal.
Other types of decompressive surgery
Alternatives to flavectomy include:
- Laminoplasty
- Laminectomy
- Discectomy
- Corpectomy
- Foraminotomy
- Arthrodesis
It should be noted that the optimal surgical technique to treat spinal or nerve root compression remains controversial. One approach is not necessarily superior in all circumstances, and the best option will depend on patient-specific anatomical and symptomatic factors.
My name is Anas Boukas and I am a physiotherapist. My mission ? Helping people who are suffering before their pain worsens and becomes chronic. I am also of the opinion that an educated patient greatly increases their chances of recovery. This is why I created Healthforall Group, a network of medical sites, in association with several health professionals.
My journey:
Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Montreal , Physiotherapist for CBI Health,
Physiotherapist for The International Physiotherapy Center