OPLL most commonly affects the cervical region; what percentage of cases occur there?

OPLL most commonly affects the cervical region; what percentage of cases occur there?

• A. 80%
• B. 10%
• C. 50%
• D. 30%

Answer: (A)

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament most often affects the cervical spine, with about four-fifths of cases occurring in the neck. The cervical canal is relatively narrow and undergoes a lot of movement, so when the PLL ossifies it more readily narrows the spinal canal and can lead to myelopathy. Although OPLL can occur in other regions, those areas are much less commonly involved compared with the cervical spine.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament most often affects the cervical spine, with about four-fifths of cases occurring in the neck. The cervical canal is relatively narrow and undergoes a lot of movement, so when the PLL ossifies it more readily narrows the spinal canal and can lead to myelopathy. Although OPLL can occur in other regions, those areas are much less commonly involved compared with the cervical spine.