Letter to the Editor: Commentary on Progression of Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Military Patients Exposed to Minor Trauma (Korean J Neurotrauma 2022;18:254-267).

Abstract

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) caused by lamellar bone deposition of the posterior longitudinal ligament can result in severe neurological deficits due to spinal cord compression.7,10) OPLL progresses gradually, decreasing cervical spine function and quality of life.4) Although genetic or environmental factors have been suggested as the causes of OPLL progression, its pathogenesis is unknown.1,3,5,8,9) Previous studies have reported that the relationship between OPLL progression and mobility of the cervical spine implying that abnormal strain distribution in the tensile direction affects OPLL.8) Furthermore, surgical treatment hastens OPLL progression through biological stimulation.2)