What does "Mild facet joint and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
"Mild facet joint and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy" refers to a slight enlargement of specific parts of the spine. The facet joints are small joints at each segment of the spine that provide stability and help guide motion. The ligamentum flavum is a ligament that helps connect the different vertebrae in the spine. When these parts are described as having 'mild hypertrophy', it means they are slightly larger than normal. This can happen due to various reasons, such as aging or wear and tear.
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