What does ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament mean?
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a condition in which a flexible structure known as the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes thicker and less flexible. The posterior longitudinal ligament connects and stabilizes the bones of the spinal column.
What is calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a disease of progressive ectopic calcification of the PLL of the spine. It occurs most frequently in the cervical spine, followed by the thoracic spine.
What causes thickening of posterior longitudinal ligament?
Mizuno et al3 considered that HPLL might be a result of the process of PLL degeneration without ossification, which is caused by the metaplasia from collagenous fibers of ligament to chondrocytes.
What is thickening of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
OPLL is a condition in which the flexible structure of the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes thicker and less flexible. It most commonly occurs in the cervical spine. OPLL typically presents with none or mild symptoms at the beginig. Mild symptoms may include; mild pain, tingling, and/or numbness in the hands.
What causes ligament ossification?
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.
How do you treat ossification?
The two main treatments available are radiation therapy and NSAIDs. Bisphosphonates have been used in the past, but their use has been discontinued as they only postpone ossification until treatment is stopped.
What is spinal ossification?
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (OPLL) is a condition that is characterized by the calcification of the soft tissues that connect the bones of the spine, which may lead to compression of the spinal cord.
What does posterior longitudinal ligament turn into?
The posterior longitudinal ligament is a ligament connecting the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies of all of the vertebrae. It weakly prevents hyperflexion of the vertebral column….Structure.
| Posterior longitudinal ligament | |
|---|---|
| FMA | 31894 |
| Anatomical terminology |
What is Forestier’s disease?
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a bony hardening of ligaments in areas where they attach to your spine. Also known as Forestier’s disease, this condition might not cause symptoms or require treatment.
What does the posterior longitudinal ligament turn into?
What causes ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament ( OPLL )?
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a relatively common cause of spinal stenosis in Japanese patients, most frequently involving the cervical spine. Males are more frequently involved than females and the 5th decade of life is a common time for symptoms to develop.
Where is the posterior longitudinal ligament located in the spine?
The posterior longitudinal ligament connects and stabilizes the bones of the spinal column. It runs almost the entire length of the spine, from the 2nd vertebra in the cervical spine (neck) all the way down to the sacrum (end of the spine). The ligament is adjacent to the spinal cord.
Where does OPLL occur in the cervical spine?
OPLL most often occurs at the cervical spine (spine in the neck). Here at the Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York, we specialize in treating OPLL.