• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.342-348
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• 2019

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can be defined as an ectopic ossification in the tissues of spinal ligament showing a hyperostotic condition. OPLL is developed mostly in the cervical spine and clinical presentations of OPLL are majorly myelopathy and/or radiculopathy, with serious neurological pathology resulting in paralysis of extremities and disturbances of motility lowering the quality of life. OPLL is known to be an idiopathic and multifactorial disease, which genetic factors and non-genetic factors including diet, obesity, physical strain on the posterior longitudinal ligament, age, and diabetes mellitus, are involved into the pathogenesis. Up to now, surgical management by decompressing the spinal cord is regarded as standard treatment for OPLL, although there might be the risk of development of reprogression of ossification. The molecular pathogenesis and efficient therapeutic strategy, especially pharmacotherapy and/or preventive intervention, of OPLL has not been clearly elucidated and suggested. Therefore, in this review, we tried to give an overview to the present research results on OPLL, in order to shed light on the potential pharmacotherapy based on molecular pathophysiologic aspect of OPLL, especially on the genetic/genomic factors involved into the etiology of OPLL.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.442-447
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• 2015

Objective : Ossification of the ligamentum nuchae (OLN) is usually asymptomatic and incidentally observed in cervical lateral radiographs. Previous literatures reported the correlation between OLN and cervical spondylosis. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the clinical significance of OLN with relation to cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods : We retrospectively compared the prevalence of OPLL in 105 patients with OLN and without OLN and compared the prevalence of OLN in 105 patients with OPLL and without OPLL. We also analyzed the relationship between the morphology of OLN and involved OPLL level. The OPLL level was classified as short (1-3) or long (4-6), and the morphologic subtype of OLN was categorized as round, rod, or segmented. Results : The prevalence of OPLL was significantly higher in the patients with OLN (64.7%) than without OLN (16.1%) (p=0.0001). And the prevalence of OLN was also higher in the patients with OPLL (54.2%) than without OPLL (29.5%) (p=0.0002). In patients with round type OLN, 5 of 26 (19.2%) showed long level OPLL, while in patients with larger type (rod and segmented) OLN, 22 of 42 (52.3%) showed long level OPLL (p=0.01). Conclusion : There was significant relationship between OLN and OPLL prevalence. This correlation indicates that there might be common systemic causes as well as mechanical causes in the formation of OPLL and OLN. The incidentally detected OLN in cervical lateral radiograph, especially larger type, might be helpful to predict the possibility of cervical OPLL.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.127-135
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• 2011

Objectives : Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a cause of the progressive compression myelopahty or radiculopathy. More and more cases being reported in the field of western medicine, but very few cases have been reported in the field of oriental medicine. This study can make prove the effectiveness of oriental medicine about OPLL by acupotomy therpapy. Methods : A patient who is diagnosed to OPLL was participated in this study. The patient was treated by acupotomy therapy. After the treatment, patient was measured by VAS (visual analogue scale), questionnaires (NDI, J-OA score) and 5 Likert scale. Results : The results in the questionnaires (NDI, J-OA score) and VAS, ROM shows that the improving of OPLL pain and function. Conclusions : Acuptomy on OPLL was showed the effectiveness in pain and function of the patient.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.224-232
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• 2018

Objective : Cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can be treated via anterior or posterior approach, or both. The optimal approach depends on the characteristics of OPLL and cervical curvature. Although most patients can be successfully treated by a single surgery with the proper approach, renewed or newly developed neurological deterioration often requires repeat surgery. Methods : Twenty-seven patients with renewed or newly developed neurological deterioration requiring salvage surgery for multi-segment cervical OPLL were enrolled. Ten patients (group AP) underwent anterior approach, and 17 patients (group PA) underwent posterior approach at the initial surgery. Clinical and radiological data from initial and repeat surgeries were obtained and analyzed retrospectively. Results : The intervals between the initial and repeat surgeries were $102.80{\pm}60.08months$ (group AP) and $61.00{\pm}8.16months$ (group PA) (p<0.05). In group AP, the main OPLL lesions were removed during the initial surgery. There was a tendency that the site of main OPLL lesions causing renewed or newly developed neurological deterioration were different from that of the initial surgery (8/10, p<0.05). Repeat surgery was performed for progressed OPLL lesions at another segment as the main pathology. In group PA, the main OPLL lesions at the initial surgery continued as the main pathology for repeat surgery. Progression of kyphosis in the cervical curvature (Cobb's angle on C2-7 and segmental angle on the main OPLL lesion) was noted between the initial and repeat surgeries. Group PA showed more kyphotic cervical curvature compared to group AP at the time of repeat surgery (p<0.05). Conclusion : The reasons for repeat surgery depend on the type of initial surgery. The main factors leading to repeat surgery are progression of remnant OPLL at a different segment in group AP and kyphotic change of the cervical curvature in group PA.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.265-271
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• 2023

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a disease that narrows the spinal canal, causing neurological symptoms. To date, there have been several reports on traditional Korean medicine treatments for OPLL; however, there is no study on complex acupuncture treatment. Herein, we report 2 cases of cervical OPLL involving cervical pain, upper limb radiating pain, and hypoesthesia. The patients were diagnosed using C-spine computed tomography and did not receive any treatment at any other hospital. The patients were treated with acupuncture treatments, including electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and acupotomy, at Daegu Korean Medicine Hospital at Daegu Haany University. The results were assessed using the visual analog scale, neck disability index, and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, and the results indicated an improvement in the symptoms. Thus, this study demonstrated that complex acupuncture treatment may be helpful for treating cervical OPLL and improving the quality of life.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.571-577
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• 2015

Direct removal of beak-type ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament at thoracic spine (T-OPLL) is a challenging surgical technique due to the potential risk of neural injury. Slipping off the cutting surface of a high-speed drill may result in entrapment in neural structures, leading to serious complications. Removal of T-OPLL with an ultrasonic osteotome, utilizing back and forth micro-motion of a blade rather than rotatory-motion of drill, may reduce such complications. We have applied the ultrasonic osteotome for posterior circumferential decompression of T-OPLL for three consecutive patients with beak-type OPLL and have described the surgical techniques and patient outcomes. The preoperative chief complaint was gait disturbance in all patients. Japanese orthopedic association scores (JOA) was used for functional assessment. Scores measured 2/11, 5/11, 2/11, and 4/11 for each patient. The ventral T-OPLL mass was exposed after posterior midline approach, laminotomy and transeversectomy. The T-OPLL mass was directly removed with an ultrasonic osteotome and instrumented segmental fixation was performed. The surgeries were uneventful. Detailed surgical techniques were presented. Gait disturbance was improved in all patients. Dural tear occurred in one patient without squeal. Postoperative JOA was 6/11, 10/11, 8/11, and 8/11 (recovery rate; 44%, 83%, 67%, and 43%) respectively at 18, 18, 10, and 1 months postoperative. T-OPLL was completely removed in all patients as confirmed with computed tomography scan. We hope that surgical difficulties in direct removal of T-OPLL might be reduced by utilizing ultrasonic osteotome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.471-477
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• 2016

Objectives : The correction of clinical and radiologic abnormalities in patients with symptomatic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is the current mainstay of treatment. This study aimed to identify radiographic predictors of severity of myelopathy in patients with symptomatic OPLL. Methods : Fifty patients with symptomatic cervical OPLL were enrolled. Based on Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, patients were divided into either the mild myelopathy (n=31) or severe myelopathy (n=19) group. All subjects underwent preoperative plain cervical roentgenogram, computed tomography (CT), and MR imaging (MRI). Radiological parameters (C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, SVA; C2-7 Cobb angle; C2-7 range of motion, ROM; OPLL occupying ratio; and compression angle) were compared. Compression angle of OPLL was defined as the angle between the cranial and caudal surfaces of OPLL at the maximum level of cord compression Results : The occupying ratio of the spinal canal, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, types of OPLL, and C2-7 ROM of the cervical spine were not statistically different between the two groups. However, the OPLL compression angle was significantly greater (p=0.003) in the severe myelopathy group than in the mild myelopathy group and was inversely correlated with JOA score (r=-0.533, p<0.01). Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the compression angle (B=-0.069, p<0.001) was significantly associated with JOA scores (R=0.647, p<0.005). Conclusion : Higher compression angles of OPLL have deleterious effects on the spinal cord and decrease preoperative JOA scores.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.8-12
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• 2011

Objective: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) has a strong genetic component. Specific gene polymorphisms may be associated with OPLL in several genes which regulate calcification in chondrocytes, change of extracellular collagen matrix and secretions of many growth factors and cytokines controlling bone morphogenesis. Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) may playa role in the pathogenesis of OPLL by intermediate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$). The current study focused on coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR5 for a case-control study investigating the relationship between TLR5 and OPLL in a Korean population. Methods: A total of 166 patients with OPLL and 231 controls were recruited for a case-control association study investigating the relationship between SNPs of TLR5 gene and OPLL. Four SNPs were genotyped by direct sequencing (rs5744168, rs5744169, rs2072493, and rs5744174). SNP data were analyzed using the SNPStats, SNPAnalyzer, Haploview, and Helixtree programs. Multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and gender was performed to calculate an odds ratio (OR). Results: None of SNPs were associated with OPLL in three alternative models (codominant, dominant, and recessive models; p> 0.05). A strong linkage disequilibrium block, including all 4 SNPs, was constructed using the Gabriel method. No haplotype was significantly associated with OPLL in three alternative models. Conclusion: These results suggest that Toll-like receptor 5 gene may not be associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament risk in Korean population.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.75-82
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of warm needling therapy in a patient with cervical myelopathy caused by ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament. Methods : A 53-year-old Korean male patient diagnosed with cervical myelopathy due to ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament was treated with warm needling therapy on posterior neck aside from the routine inpatient treatment from June 26th to July 16th. Clinical improvement was evaluated with visual analogue scale(VAS), Japanese orthopedic score(JOA), grip and release test, finger escape sign and patient satisfaction was measured using a five-point Likert scale. Results : After 21 days of treatment, the patient showed improvement in VAS, JOA, grip and release test and finger escape sign. The patient also expressed satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusions : The results suggest that warm needling therapy may be an effective additional treatment for cervical myelopathy and other symptoms related to ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL). Further studies should be carried out regarding possible long-lasting effects.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.55-57
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• 2010

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the thoracic spine is rare, even in the Far East. A 45-year-old female presented with a 4month history of progressive motor weakness in the lower extremities, numbness below the midthoracic area, and spastic gait disturbance. Neuroradiological examinations revealed massive OPLLs at the T4-T6 levels with severe anterior compression of the spinal cord. Anterior decompressive corpectomies with bone grafts were performed from T4 to T6 using a trans-thoracic approach. After surgery, the patient made an uneventful recovery. However, eleven years after surgery, the patient developed recurrent lower extremity weakness and spastic gait disturbance. De novo OPLLs at the C6-T2 levels were responsible for the severe spinal cord compression on this occasion. After second surgery, paralysis in both legs was resolved. We present a rare case of late cervicothoracic OPLL in a patient surgically treated for thoracic OPLL.