Ligamentum flavum hematoma following a traffic accident:A case report

BACKGROUND Ligamentum flavum hematoma(LFH)can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve root,which results in neurological symptoms.We report a case of lumbar radicular pain due to LFH following a traffic accident.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old man complained of left buttock and lateral thigh pain that was dull in nature after a traffic accident 18 d prior to presentation.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),taken 17 d after the traffic accident,revealed a mass lesion at the L4-5 Level.These MRI findings suggested subacute LFH.The patient’s pain was not alleviated with conservative treatment,including oral medication and epidural steroid injection.After a partial-hemilaminectomy and removal of LFH,the patient’s pain completely disappeared.CONCLUSION Because early operation for decompression is important for a good outcome,clinicians should be able to determine LFH from MRI results and be aware of the possibility of LFH,especially in patients with a history of trauma.