Vitamin D Deficiency: A Cause of Secondary Lumbar Canal Stenosis - A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Degenerative lumbar canal stenosis presents with low backache. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy secondary to vitamin D deficiency causes central canal stenosis. This is a common presentation in obese females residing in North India. Case presentation: We present the case of a young, obese, north Indian 32-year-old female, who had a history of chronic low mild backache, with reduced spine mobility, with MRI lumbosacral scan revealing grade I spondylolisthesis with spondylolysis seen at L4 over L5 and ligamentum flavum and facetal hypertrophy. Further workup showed raised serum parathormone (PTH) and deficient serum 25-OH Vitamin D total levels. Hypovitaminosis D was responsible for the ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and secondary lumbar canal stenosis. She was discharged on Vitamin D replenishment regimen. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is coexistent with low backache, secondary to degenerative lumbar canal stenosis.