Abstract
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) may be associated with certain rheumatic conditions including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or spondylosis. More than 95% of all OPLL are localized at the cervical spine. Herein, we report a case of OPLL at the thoracic spine in an HLA-B27-positive female patient with ankylosing spondylitis. The patient was presented to us with spastic paraparesis. The imaging studies included plain roentgenograms, tomograms, myelo-CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A continuous rod-like ossification along the posterior aspects of the fourth to sixth thoracic vertebrae with spinal cord compression was noted. The patient underwent a laminectomy from T4 to T6. At the second year follow-up examination, residual upper back soreness and mild left thigh pain were noted. However, the patient had resumed a full daily schedule and could walk freely without any support.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 550-553 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Spinal Cord |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament
- Paraparesis
- Thoracic spine