Changes in basic metabolic elements associated with the degeneration and ossification of ligamenta flava.

Objective: To determine the association between levels of basic metabolic elements and degeneration and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (LF).

Subjects: Fourteen consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis, 11 with ossification of the thoracic ligamenta flava, and 11 control subjects.

Methods: The basic elements of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and fluoride (F) in the specimens were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry, the phosphomolybdic blue method, and a fluoride-selected electrode.