Clinical Results of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL) of the Thoracic Spine Treated by Anterior Decompression

Abstract

We evaluated the outcomes and factors affecting the surgical outcomes of 19 patients with thoracic OPLL treated with anterior decompression. In this small series, we found that some patients undergoing anterior decompression for thoracic OPLL clinically improved, however, a significant percentage did not. Anterior decompression is technically demanding and is associated with a high rate of complications. When poor preoperative JOA scores and immediate postoperative neurologic deterioration are present, poor outcomes may be expected.