[Cervical myelopathy from ossification of the posterior longitudinal vertebral ligament. Report of 2 cases].
OBJECTIVE
Cervical myelopathy due to an ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a rare entity in western countries but frequent in Japan. We report on two Lebaneese patients aged 67 and 72 years respectively, who were twins and presented with OPLL.


METHODS
Diagnosis was made on myelography in the first case (1989) and on MRI of the cervical spine in the second case (1994).


RESULTS
A wide laminectomy was performed in the first case followed by a marked improvement. In the second case, corporectomy of the third, fourth and fifth vertebra with removal of the ligament followed by bone graft didn't improve the clinical symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The cause of OPLL remains unknown: genetic factors and metabolic abnormalities are outlined. Treatment options are discussed.
Okais
N
N
Hôtel-Dieu de France, Beyrouth, Liban.
Moussa
R
R
Hage
P
P
D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery
Myélopathie cervicale par ossification du ligament commun vertébral postérieur. A propos de 2 cas.