title: Image-guided resection for thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantages of using an image guidance system to aid in the resection of ossified of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) in the thoracic spine. The procedure and surgery-related outcome are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten patients with myelopathy underwent laminotomy with medial facetectomy and an image guidance system was used to remove the OLF. No neurological deterioration occurred, and postoperative computerized tomography scanning demonstrated successful decompression and good preservation of the lateral parts of the facet joints.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The image guidance system allows accurate resection of the OLF while preserving as much as possible the facet joints and posterior elements of the thoracic spine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. seichi-ort@h.u-tokyo.ac.jp
authors.forename: Atsushi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seichi
authors.forename: Susumu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nakajima
authors.forename: Katsushi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takeshita
authors.forename: Tomoaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kitagawa
authors.forename: Toru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Akune
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kawaguchi
authors.forename: Kozo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nakamura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000379:methods; D017843:Ligamentum Flavum / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D016896:Treatment Outcome