Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament, Ossification of the Yellow Ligament
webmaster
後縦靭帯骨化症、黄色靭帯骨化症の手術方法、入院日数、保険適用の有無などをご案内いたします。
Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Ossification of the Yellow Ligament
What are Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Ossification of the Yellow Ligament?
ssification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Ossification of the Yellow Ligament
These conditions occur when the ligaments that are in contact with the spinal cord— the posterior longitudinal ligament (in the front) and the yellow ligament (in the back) — become ossified and thickened, leading to compression of the spinal cord and resulting in myelopathy symptoms. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament commonly occurs in the cervical spine, while ossification of the yellow ligament is more prevalent in the thoracolumbar junction.
These conditions are recognized as specific diseases by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and may be eligible for public medical expense coverage. Please inquire with your local government or medical institutions for more information.
These conditions are recognized as specific diseases by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and may be eligible for public medical expense coverage. Please inquire with your local government or medical institutions for more information.
Symptoms
As spinal cord compression progresses, it can cause symptoms such as pain in the neck and shoulders, numbness in the arms and legs, motor dysfunction in the fingers, and walking difficulties. The exact cause is unknown, but it is more common in middle-aged men of East Asian descent and is often associated with diabetes. Additionally, some patients may have a genetic predisposition. If you experience difficulty moving your fingers or problems with walking, surgery may be necessary, so early consultation is recommended.
Treatment Methods
Diagnosis is made when MRI and CT images show nerve compression due to ossification within the spinal canal, and the findings match the patient’s symptoms.
Small ossifications often do not cause symptoms, and in such cases, observation is usually sufficient.
Surgical Methods
Depending on the type of ossification, additional fixation with implants may be necessary (posterior cervical or thoracic fixation). In cases of ossification of the thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament, there are surgeries where simply fixing the spine can improve spinal cord compression (such as the Decompressive Hemi-Laminectomy or "Deka-Ho" surgery).
