A ligamentum flavum hematoma presenting as an L5 radiculopathy

This study reports two patients with ligamentum flavum hematoma, of which only seven cases have been reported in the literature. Two elderly male patients (74 and 80 years) presented with a history of chronic lumbar strain and effort. They had low back pain radiating to both legs. Their neurologic examination findings were consistent with left L5 root compression. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an epidural mass lesion at L4-L5 that was continous with the ligamentum flavum. After removal of the hematoma. the symptoms completely resolved. The most common cystic lesion in the lumbar spine is synovial cyst associated With the facet joints, but ligamentum flavum hematoma should be included in the differential diagnosis. The clinical, radiological and surgical features are described. Surgery should be the treatment of choice to resolve symptoms in ligamentum flavum hematoma. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.