title: Sudden quadriplegia complicating ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.
abstract: The association of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) has been recently described. It may result in devastating compressive myelopathy. We report a case of quadriplegia complicating OPLL in a patient with DISH. In addition, we present a brief review of the literature on OPLL. This report illustrates the importance of appropriate neurologic and radiologic evaluation of persons with DISH, to help prevent severe neurologic complications.
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging