Anterior longitudinal decompression helps manage severe cervical spine ossification

Anterior longitudinal decompression has been found to effectively manage severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine, according to researchers.

Tao Lei, MD, and colleagues retrospectively studied 22 patients who underwent anterior corpectomy and fusion. To be included in the study, patients had to have an ossified mass in fewer than three vertebrae requiring corpectomy in one or two vertebrae, as well as a canal narrowing ratio of more than 50%. Mean follow-up was 24.5 months.

Patients’ mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from 8.8 preoperatively to 14 at final follow-up. The patients also experienced an improvement rate of 63.5%, and canal narrowing ratio decreased from 62% preoperatively to 8.2% postoperatively, according to the researchers.

Lei and colleagues concluded that although the treatment was effective, surgeon skill should be taken into consideration when deciding to use the treatment. Additionally, it was noted that the procedure can lead to higher risks for surgery-related complications, such as leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Lei T. Orthopedics. 2014. doi:10.3928/01477447-20140430-58.