Thoracic anterior controllable antedisplacement fusion for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: A case report.

BACKGROUND

Thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) is caused by the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament occupying space in the spinal canal, which causes compression of the thoracic spinal cord. Surgical treatment is difficult, risky and complicated; thus, clinical treatment is difficult at present.

CASE SUMMARY

A case of severe multi-segmental T-OPLL treated with thoracic anterior controllable antedisplacement fusion (TACAF) is reported, including the surgical procedures and analysis of the clinical data. The modified-Japanese Orthopaedic Association score in this patient was 4 before surgery, and it was raised to 9 after the operation. The symptoms of spinal canal compression were subsequently relieved. Three months after surgery, digital radiography showed good healing and recovery of limb sensory function.

CONCLUSION

This case report suggests that TACAF is feasible for the treatment of long-segment T-OPLL, and has the advantages of low risk and reduced trauma. However, this operation still needs to be verified by clinical research with a larger sample size.