Fact-sheet: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament


Updated on 09/17/2021 at 12:16 PM

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Definition

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, with a higher incidence in the Japanese population (2%) than in Caucasians (<1%)

Clinical features

Most often asymptomatic, followed by symptoms related to spinal canal stenosis. Risk of spinal cord compression even with minor trauma. Association with other conditions: diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis ("DISH"), ankylosing spondylitis, ossification of the ligamentum flavum

CT

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament affecting mainly the cervical spine (75%), but which can also involve the thoracic spine (15%) or lumbar spine (10%)

MRI

Assesses the extent of cord compression and cord suffering