Anterior decompression for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine

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Abstract
Anterior decompression and fusion for treating ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine was performed in 12 patients. The central part of the vertebral body and the ossified area of the posterior longitudinal ligament were removed by means of a microrongeur and an air drill. The defect was filled with a long bone graft taken from the ilium. Operative results were excellent. Marked improvement of radicular and spinal cord signs was seen in all 12 cases. Three vertebral bodies were fused in 1 case, 4 in 9 cases and 5 in 2 cases. The highest level of fusion was C[cervical segment]-2 and the lowest was T[thoracic segment]-1. Apparently, any ossification of the ligament below the C-2 level can be removed via an anterior approach as long as no more than 5 vertebral bodies are involved. Spinal computerized tomography was valuable in providing more detailed information about the stenotic spinal canal and the shape of the ossified ligament.

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