What is the cause of OPLL?

The exact cause of OPLL is unknown, but it typically occurs when the soft tissues on the spine calcify and narrow the spinal canal. This causes the compression on the nerves in the cervical spinal cord. Research has shown links to hereditary factors, the environment and an individual’s lifestyle.

Can OPLL be caused by trauma?

OPLL has been found to be highly prevalent in patients with acute traumatic cervical SCI; in particular, OPLL has been reported in 34 ~ 38 % of cervical SCI patients without bone injury [1, 2]. They were caused primarily by low-energy trauma.

Is OPLL life threatening?

Abstract. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a rare but potentially devastating cause of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

Is OPLL common?

Key Points about Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OpLL) It is an uncommon condition that affects people of Asian descent. It occurs when the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes rigid and less flexible. The cause is unknown, but genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal factors play a role.

What causes calcification of spinal ligaments?

As people age, the ligaments of the spine can thicken and harden (called calcification). Bones and joints may also enlarge, and bone spurs (called osteophytes) may form. Bulging or herniated discs are also common. Spondylolisthesis (the slipping of one vertebra onto another) also occurs and leads to compression.

Can OPLL be reversed?

Since OPLL is known to be a typical progressive disease, and there is little evidence that non-surgical treatment will stop or reverse its progression.

How fast does OPLL progress?

Chiba et al. analyzed the progression of OPLL by evaluating 131 OPLL patients who had undergone posterior decompression procedures, and progression was noted in 56.5% of patients at 2 years after surgery and was more frequent in continuous and mixed types of OPLL.

Can OPLL cause paralysis?

Abstract. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can cause severe and irreversible paralysis in not only the cervical spine but also the thoracolumbar spine.

Can OPLL be cured?

Minimally symptomatic patients can be treated nonsurgically, but patients with myelopathy or severe stenosis are best treated with surgical decompression. OPLL can be treated via an anterior (ie, corpectomy and fusion) or posterior (ie, laminectomy and fusion or laminoplasty) approach, or both.