Anterior cervical decompression for severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To explore the clinical outcome of anterior cervical decompression for severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament. [Method]Thirty-three patients with severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy and continuous OPLL underwent posterior longitude ligament resection and floating in anterior cervical decompression.The intervertabral space were stabilized by autoilum graft or titanium cage and fixed with windows plates. [Result]All patients were followed up for 8 to 45 months,mean 22 months.Preoperative JOA scores were 6.7,and the postoperative JOA scores were 10.1 and 10.7(evaluated in 3 months and 12 months after surgery),the mean amelioration rate was 72.7% and 78.8%.Of these 33 patients,no severe complications such as cord or vertebral artery injury occurred. [Conclusion]Posterior longitude ligament resection and floating in anterior cervical decompression is a safe and effective treatment for severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament.