Is ligamentum flavum and facet hypertrophy the same as spinal stenosis?

No, ligamentum flavum and facet hypertrophy are not the same as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, whereas ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and facet hypertrophy are two conditions that can contribute to spinal stenosis.

Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy refers to the thickening of the ligamentum flavum, which is a ligament that connects the vertebrae. Facet hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of the facet joints, which are the small joints that connect the vertebrae. Both ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and facet hypertrophy can cause the spinal canal to narrow, leading to spinal stenosis. However, they are not the same condition as spinal stenosis.