Case Report: Surgical treatment of lumbar ligamentum flavum cysts combined with spinal instability causing radiculopathy

Purpose This study aimed to describe a case of a patient with a lumbar ligamentum flavum cyst combined with spinal instability who underwent cyst resection and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).Methods We present a rare case of a patient with a lumbar ligamentum flavum cyst combined with spinal instability causing radiculopathy. The patient underwent cyst resection and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.Results The patient underwent follow-up for 3 years postoperatively and remained asymptomatic, with favorable radiographic results.Conclusions Cysts resection and TLIF for ligamentum flavum cysts combined with spinal instability can achieve sufficient and effective decompression while simultaneously restoring spinal stability. Therefore, this approach is both an effective and safe treatment option.