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3-D likely better than traditional imaging for noting ossification of the PLL
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The 3-D technique of measuring ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament has several advantages over traditional radiography in terms of evaluating the clinical state of symptomatic patients, according to the results of a recently published retrospective study.
Researchers included 50 patients with symptomatic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Patients were measured using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), VAS, SF-36 and neck disability index scores. The researchers used software to reconstruct a 3-D model and to measure volume of OPLL, 3-D volume of the spinal canal, spinal canal diameter, thickness of OPLL and length of OPLL. Eleven patients were classified as having mild myelopathy (JOA score greater than or equal to 18) and 23 were classified as having severe myelopathy (JOA score less than or equal to 17), according to the researchers.
Researchers used the Pearson correlation analysis to identify which parameter correlated best with clinical outcomes. They found 3-D OPLL volume did not correlate with clinical outcomes and 3-D OPLL ratio and thickness had a negative relationship with patient JOA scores. However, 3-D OPLL ratio was an independent risk factor for increased severity of myelopathy, as the mild myelopathy group showed lower 3-D OPLL ratio (0.092) than the severe group (0.148). – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosures: The researchers report receiving a National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korea Government (MEST) for the study.
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