J Korean Radiol Soc.  1985 Oct;21(5):812-818. 10.3348/jkrs.1985.21.5.812.

Radiologic analysis & diagnostic value of lateral tomography on ossification of posterior longitudinal ligamentof c-spine

• Jeon HJ
• Jeon HS
• Kim DY

• KMID: 2462421
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1985.21.5.812

Abstract

The ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine(OPLL) is newly recongnized clinical entity,although compression of the spinal cord by an OPLL was reported by key as early as in 1839 in Guy's HospitalReport. OPLL was noticeable in lateral tomography as an abnormal dense radiopacity along the posterior margins ofthe vertebral body. Authors retrospectively analysed the diagnostic values and findings of lateral tomography ofthe cervical spine in 11 cases at Kang Nam General Hospital Public Corporation during 1 yr from July 1984 to June1985. The results were as follows; 1. Among suspected 11 cases of OPLL, 9 cases were confiremd as OPLL on lateraltomogram. 2. Age range was 25 years old to 55 years old and more prevalent age was over 5th decades & male wasmore involved than female. 3. Frequent involvement was C2-C5 level and number of vertebral bodies involved was 3.6in average. 4. This ossification developed 4 modes, a continuous type 11%, segmental 33%, mixed type 33%,circumscribed type in 22%. 5. OPLL thickness were from 2mm to 4.5mm and spnal canal narrowing ratio were form 25%to 44% and there were norational relationships between clinical symptom and thicknness of OPLL. 6. On diagnosis ofOPLL, lateral tomography is accurate and recommendable screening study due to easy, noninvasive, indisipensable and less harmful technique, compared to those of myelography or computed tomography.

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Female
Hospitals, General
Humans
Male
Mass Screening
Myelography
Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
Retrospective Studies
Spinal Cord
Spine