Recently, the Third Division of the Spinal Surgery Department at the Second Hospital of Shandong University admitted an elderly patient with multi-segmental thoracic spinal stenosis caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum. Through pre-operative multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaboration, under the expert guidance of Director Wang Dachuan and his team, a precise scientific assessment was conducted. The patient successfully underwent posterior thoracic vertebral plate removal and decompression surgery. Eight days post-operation, the patient was discharged after a complete recovery.

The patient, Mrs. Qu, is an 87-year-old female. One year ago, she experienced numbness and weakness in both lower limbs, predominantly on the right side. She required the use of crutches for walking. Three months prior to admission, her condition worsened, rendering her unable to stand or walk upright, significantly impacting her daily life. Mrs. Qu had sought medical advice from various major hospitals in the province. However, due to her advanced age and underlying medical conditions, conservative treatment was recommended. Her ability to perform daily activities was nearly lost. Upon learning about the expertise of Director Wang Dachuan's team in the surgical treatment of spinal ligament ossification, she came to the hospital from her hometown, Weifang.

Dr. Wang Dachuan's team conducted comprehensive auxiliary examinations for the patient, combining her medical history, physical examination, and imaging findings. The diagnosis was thoracic ligamentum flavum ossification, primarily severe ossification at the T9/10 and T11/12 segments, causing significant spinal cord compression leading to incomplete paralysis of the lower limbs and preventing Mrs. Qu from walking on her own. Due to the patient's advanced age, poor physical condition, hypertension, and complex medical condition, the surgical risks were high. Dr. Wang Dachuan's team collaborated with the Departments of Anesthesiology, Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine for MDT diagnosis and treatment, assessing the risks and excluding contraindications. They safely performed the posterior thoracic vertebral "decompression through grinding" to remove the ossified ligamentum flavum at the T9/10 and T11/12 segments, achieving spinal canal decompression. The surgery lasted less than 1 hour, with an estimated blood loss of about 50ml. Postoperatively, the patient was transferred to the ICU, and then back to a regular ward on the second day. Three days after the surgery, she was fitted with a support device and started walking, achieving the goal of rapid recovery.

Dr. Wang Dachuan's team, as a talent team specially introduced by Shandong University, is the most powerful and dynamic spinal surgery team in China. They always bear in mind the mission of the "national team, Qilu system, and academic orientation" of Shandong University Second Hospital. They proactively undertake the surgical treatment of difficult and complicated cases with high risks and challenges. They were the first in the province to perform the one-stage posterior thoracic vertebral "defect method" for resection of ossified ligamentum flavum and continuous posterior longitudinal ligament ossification, achieving the safe removal of ossified lesions and minimizing unnecessary two-stage surgeries. They have achieved a leading position in the field of spinal ligament ossification in China. They consistently adhere to the concept of "standardize difficult surgeries, minimize invasive procedures in routine surgeries, and standardize minimally invasive surgeries." Through scientific diagnosis, precise treatment, and a courageous approach, they tirelessly strive to benefit more patients with spinal disorders.