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Multidetector-row CT may be useful for evaluation of dynamic spinal changes
Although dynamic changes in the spinal cord cross-sectional area resulting from cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament are unknown, researchers have found multidetector-row CT can be effective for their evaluation.
One hundred and seven consecutive patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL) and myelopathy were enrolled as part of a prospective cohort study. The researchers performed multidetector-row CT (MDCT) and measured the extension/flexion ratio at the spinal cord cross-sectional area at the most stenotic cervical level. Patients were then divided into two groups: those who had kyphosis, and those who had lordosis according to the C2–C7 alignment. The patients were then further divided into a K-line (−) group or K-line (+) groups.
Every patient with C-OPLL had myelopathy, according to the researchers. Patients’ mean JOA score was 10.7, and the mean disease duration was 16.7 months.
The researchers found patients in the kyphosis group exhibited slightly more spinal cord compression during flexion than during extension. However, the spinal cord was observed to be compressed more during flexion in the K-line (−) group.
The severity of myelopathy was significantly affected due to large changes in the spinal cord cross-sectional area during extension-flexion and disease duration, according to the researchers. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.