Abstract
The Japanese disease or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine was initially thought to affect only Japanese. Non-Japanese Asian and Caucasian cases are reported but appear to be exceedingly rare. The reason is unknown. Although the disease appears to be generally benign, it can cause a myelopathy. Sixteen non-Japanese patients in Singapore who had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine are presented.