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Genetic analysis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
S Matsunaga1, M Yamaguchi, K Hayashi
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, Japan. shunji@med1.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp
Study Design:
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes in families of patients with known ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) were reviewed.
Objective:
To clarify how genetic factors relate to the development of OPLL.
Summary Of Background Data:
The association between genetic factors and the development of OPLL is still unknown.
Materials And Methods:
The association between HLA haplotypes and OPLL was studied in families of 24 patients with OPLL.
Results:
The prevalence of OPLL was higher in the siblings showing a higher share of identical HLA haplotypes: 10 (53%) of 19 with concurrence of two strands, and 5 (24%) of 21 with concurrence of one strand. Of 21 subjects who had no HLA haplotype identical with that in OPLL patients, only one showed evidence of OPLL.
Conclusion:
Genetic factors predispose toward the development of OPLL.