Fluorosis induced hypertrophic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament resulting in spinal stenosis and progressive myelopathy

Hypertrophic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament causes an acquired spinal stenosis with attendant neurological manifestations in patients with skeletal fluorosis. Such cases are uncommon. In Asian and African countries where fluorosis is endemic it should definitely be considered while working up progressive myelopathy and or radiculopathy to effect an early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Severely affected individuals are crippled with kyphotic rigid spine, quadriplegia and deformed limbs with spastic contractures and have poor long-term prognosis. Two cases of severe fluorosis induced hypertrophic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament resulting in spinal stenosis are described