OSSIFICATION OF THE POSTERIOR LONGITUDINAL LIGAMENT: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a rare spinal pathology.
• It presents diagnostic and treatment challenges due to limited literature.
• OPLL can lead to serious neurological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of OPLL fracture with cervical spine injury.
• To review the literature on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of OPLL.
• To discuss diagnostic and treatment strategies, including surgical options for OPLL.

Main Methods:

• Presentation of a clinical case involving a fracture of the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament.
• Comprehensive review of scientific literature and periodicals concerning OPLL.
• Analysis of diagnostic findings and treatment approaches for OPLL.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of a unique case of OPLL fracture in a patient with cervical trauma.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on OPLL's clinical presentation and diagnostic modalities.
• Discussion of conservative and surgical management tactics for OPLL.

Conclusions:

• Fractures of the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament are exceptionally rare.
• Further case accumulation and analysis are crucial for understanding and managing OPLL.
• This study contributes valuable insights for clinicians managing OPLL patients.