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OPLL

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Neck

OPLL

Conditions

Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

M E A N I N G

What Is Cervical OPLL?

Inside the neck there are two ligaments along the spine: the anterior longitudinal ligament at the front and the posterior longitudinal ligament at the back. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a condition in which the posterior ligament hardens like bone or thickens, pressing on the nerves in the spinal canal and causing pain.

- In a cervical disc herniation, the disc presses on the nerves in the spinal canal

- In OPLL, the posterior longitudinal ligament between the disc and the spinal canal changes and presses on the nerves

Causes of
Cervical OPLL

Because it is more common in East Asian people, genetic and ethnic factors are thought to play a role, but the exact cause of cervical OPLL has not yet been identified.

Symptoms of
Cervical OPLL

The symptoms are almost the same as those of a cervical disc herniation. The difference is that a disc herniation causes compression at one specific level, while OPLL can cause compression at several ossified (hardened and thickened) levels. Early symptoms are numbness in the arms or hands, and over time leg weakness or abnormal sensations may develop.

The most common symptoms are numbness, pain, reduced sensation and weakness in the arms or hands

As it progresses, leg weakness, abnormal sensations, difficulty walking, and bladder or bowel problems appear

If it worsens or is severe, the arms and legs may become paralyzed

Cervical OPLL
[ Diagnosis and Treatment ]

Diagnosis of
Cervical OPLL

It can sometimes be diagnosed with an X-ray. However, CT and MRI are needed to accurately assess how hardened and thickened the ligament is. OPLL can be misdiagnosed as a cervical disc herniation or a stroke, so a careful diagnosis is needed.

- CT shows the shape and size of the ossified ligament and the degree of spinal canal narrowing and spinal cord compression

- MRI shows whether there is nerve degeneration in the spinal cord and how much it is compressed

- To check for nerve damage, electromyography (EMG), evoked potential tests and bladder function tests may be performed

Treatment of
Cervical OPLL

In the early stage, non-surgical conservative treatment such as medication, injections and physical therapy can be used, and a brace may also be worn. However, if conservative treatment does not help or there are symptoms such as paralysis, procedures such as cervical neuroplasty or surgery are needed.

M E A N I N G

What Is Cervical OPLL?

Causes of Cervical OPLL

Symptoms of Cervical OPLL

Cervical OPLL[ Diagnosis and Treatment ]

Diagnosis of Cervical OPLL

Treatment of Cervical OPLL

Causes of
Cervical OPLL

Symptoms of
Cervical OPLL

Cervical OPLL
[ Diagnosis and Treatment ]

Diagnosis of
Cervical OPLL

Treatment of
Cervical OPLL