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A rare cause of thoracic cord compression
Anderson Alexsander Rodrigues Teixeira1, Lucas Fernandes Ferreira1, Bruno Nunes Ferraz De Abreu1
1Departament of Surgery, Federal University of Ceara, Ceará, Brazil.
Surgical Neurology International
|October 9, 2018
Summary
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can cause spinal cord compression. Surgical decompression may significantly improve neurological deficits in patients with thoracic OPLL.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Orthopedics
Background:
- The posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) is a crucial spinal structure extending from the foramen magnum to the sacrum.
- Ossification of the PLL (OPLL) involves pathological calcification or bone formation within this ligament.
- OPLL can lead to spinal cord compression and neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old female presented with acute paraparesis and sphincter dysfunction.
- These symptoms were attributed to thoracic OPLL compressing the spinal cord at the T2-T4 levels.
- The patient underwent a C7-T5 laminectomy for spinal cord decompression.
Findings:
- Postoperative improvement in motor and sensory deficits was observed.
- Significant recovery was noted by 6 months after the laminectomy.
- This case highlights the potential for neurological recovery after surgical intervention for OPLL.
Implications:
- Surgical options for thoracic OPLL include laminectomy, laminoplasty, and various decompression techniques.
- Early surgical decompression may lead to substantial recovery in patients with acute paraparesis and sphincter dysfunction due to OPLL.
- Effective management of OPLL requires careful surgical planning and execution to optimize patient outcomes.
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