Improved Function After Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion for Cervical Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Long-Term Follow-Up.

Abstract

Background: Anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) is an emerging surgical approach for treating cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL), yet there is limited data on its long-term efficacy and safety. The present study aimed to analyze the short- and long-term postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes and perioperative complications of ACAF for patients with C-OPLL.

Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study, with the mean duration of follow-up of at least 24 months. A total of 111 patients with C-OPLL in our institution from June 2017 to June 2019 were assessed preoperatively and at 3 days, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the recovery of neurological function, measured with the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. The secondary outcomes included pain, Cobb angle, spinal canal invasion rate, and surgery-related complications.

Results: The postoperative JOA score at each follow-up was significantly better than the preoperative JOA score, regardless of preoperative spinal canal invasion rate, K-line, and segment length. The visual analog scale (VAS) score also decreased dramatically 3 days after surgery and was maintained at a low level throughout the follow-up period. Improvements in Cobb angle and invasion rate were observed right after the operation and were maintained for 2 years thereafter.

Conclusions: ACAF could achieve satisfactory recovery of neurological function in C-OPLL patients during a follow-up of 24 months, regardless of preoperative spinal canal invasion rate, preoperative K-line, or surgical segment length.