Abstract | STUDY DESIGN: A case report of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) combined with ossification of the ligamentum flavum, or yellow ligament (OYL), in the upper thoracic spine. OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare clinical entity and its management pitfalls in a patient with upper thoracic myelopathy due to combined OPLL and OYL. METHODS: RESULTS: After posterior decompression, her symptoms immediately and dramatically improved. However, symptoms recurred after she was able to achieve a sitting or standing position. We then performed anterior decompression at Th2, which again improved her symptoms. At two years post-surgery, she is ambulatory with the use of a cane. CONCLUSION: Upper thoracic myelopathy due to OPLL and OYL was treated by combined 2-staged anterior and posterior decompression. In this case, posterior decompression alone was inadequate to relieve the symptoms of this pathological condition.
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Authors | Akira Hioki, Kei Miyamoto, Hideo Hosoe, Katsuji Shimizu |
Journal | Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
(Arch Orthop Trauma Surg)
Vol. 128
Issue 2
Pg. 175-7
(Feb 2008)
ISSN: 0936-8051 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 17497161
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Decompression, Surgical
(methods)
- Female
- Humans
- Ligamentum Flavum
(pathology)
- Middle Aged
- Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
(complications)
- Ossification, Heterotopic
(complications)
- Paraparesis
(etiology, surgery)
- Thoracic Vertebrae
- Thorax
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