Cervical Myelopathy Induced by Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Abstract

Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL), despite being one of the common causes of cervical myelopathy in Asian subjects it also can be seen less in other races. Although OPLL etiology is still unclear, it is considered to be related to genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. As OPLL; that is encountered as a distinct clinical entity in the formation of cervical myelopathy; may not cause any symptom, it also can be presented with a serie of clinical symptoms like progressive neurological damage and disturbance of balance and gait. Direct X-ray, CT and MRI are important auxiliary method in terms of OPLL diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up. In patients with no progressive neurological damage or mild symptoms of myelopathy conservative approach can be successful in the treatment. However, surgical approach is the main in patients with progressive myelopathy, the choice of surgical technique is still quite controversial. We therefore offer to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of OPLL that induced cervical myelopathy in our old aged male Turkish patient.