Calcification of the ligamentum flavum of the cervical spine. Report of four cases.

Four cases of calcification of the cervical ligamentum flavum are reported, all in women over 60 years of age. Neurological findings were not significantly different from those of other cervical compressive diseases. Among radiological examinations, computerized tomography was the most valuable diagnostic tool. Calcification might have been induced by the degeneration or abnormal nutritional state of the ligamentum flavum. Endocrine abnormalities and inflammatory processes might also have been contributory factors.