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OPLL pp 49–57Cite as

Pathology of Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum

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Conclusions

Microscopic findings in OLF specimens showed an overgrowth of type II collagen preceding the development of ossification. There was also a reduction in the amount of elastin. OLF was confirmed to be mainly endochondral ossification. Additional intramembranous ossification was, however, seen at the tip of the nodule-shaped ossification. Ossification extended along the superficial layer of the hypertrophied ligament, as in OPLL. It was suggested that the mechanism of OLF development depends intimately not only on dynamic and static mechanical stresses but also on the role of some growth factors as well.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-8510, Japan

    Munehito Yoshida

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  1. Munehito Yoshida
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. National Hospital Organization, Osaka-Minami Medical Center, 2-1 Kidohigashi, Kawachinagano, Osaka, 586-8521, Japan

    Kazuo Yonenobu M.D., D.Med.Sc. (Vice-Director) (Vice-Director)

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan

    Kozo Nakamura M.D., Ph.D. (Professor and Chairman) (Professor and Chairman)

  3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery School of Medicine, Keio University 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan

    Yoshiaki Toyama M.D., Ph.D. (Professor and Chairman) (Professor and Chairman)

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Yoshida, M. (2006). Pathology of Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum. In: Yonenobu, K., Nakamura, K., Toyama, Y. (eds) OPLL. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-32563-5_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-32563-5_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Tokyo

  • Print ISBN: 978-4-431-32561-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-4-431-32563-5

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