Is surgery indicated for asymptomatic or mildly myelopathic patients with significant ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament?

STUDY DESIGN

Review article.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss indications and timing of surgery for patients with significant ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) who show no or only mild myelopathic symptoms.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Among patients with cervical spinal cord injury, the incidence of patients with OPLL is relatively high, and most had no obvious symptoms of cervical myelopathy.

METHODS

These topics were discussed on the basis of clinical practice guidelines for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament as published in 2005 by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association and the Committee on Research into OPLL under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

RESULTS

No evidence supports the usefulness of surgery for patients with significant OPLL without or with only mild cervical myelopathy.

CONCLUSION

"Prophylactic" surgery for patients with significant OPLL without or with only mild cervical myelopathy cannot be recommended on the basis of the existing evidence.