2011 Surgical Management of Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Description: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a complex multifactorial disease process combining both metabolic and biomechanical factors. The role for surgical intervention and choice of anterior or posterior approach is controversial. The object of this study was to review the literature and present a single-institution experience with surgical intervention for OPLL.
Conclusions. Anterior cervical decompression and reconstruction is a safe and appropriate treatment for cervical spondylitic myelopathy in the setting of OPLL. For patients with maintained cervical lordosis, posterior cervical decompression and stabilization is advocated. The use of laminectomy or laminoplasty is indicated in patients with preserved cervical lordosis and less than 60% of the spinal canal occupied by calcified ligament in a "hill-shaped" contour.
Surgical Management of Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: Natural History and the Role of Surgical Decompression and Stabilization Patrick A. Sugrue, M.D.; Jamal McClendon Jr., M.D.; Ryan J. Halpin, M.D.; John C. Liu, M.D.; Tyler R. Koski, M.D.; Aruna Ganju, M.D. Authors and Disclosures Posted: 03/30/2011; Neurosurg Focus. 2011;30(3):e3