Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament in ankylosing hyperostosis as a cause of myelo-radiculopathy

ABSTRACT

Development of hypertrophic ossification in the region of posterior longitudinal ligament [OPLL] in patients with ankylosing hyperostosis [AH] may result in significant spinal stenosis and progressive myelopathy and/or radiculopathy. Severe neurological manifestations in such cases are indicators of long term poor prognosis.Therefore it is important to recognise these cases early enough to offer effective therapy when working up myeloradiculopathy. A clinico-radiological analysis of seven patients of OPLL in AH with myelopathy and radiculopathy is presented. Surgically treated patients [4 cases]had remarkably good outcome on long term basis