Which statement is correct about OPLL?

Which statement is correct about OPLL?

• A. It Affects The Sacral Region Most
• B. It Is Unrelated To Chromosome Abnormalities
• C. It Most Commonly Affects The Cervical Region
• D. It Occurs Equally Across Cervical, Thoracic, And Lumbar Regions

Answer: (C)

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) most often involves the cervical spine. The cervical region has a relatively narrow spinal canal and is subjected to a lot of flexion–extension movement, so when the ligament ossifies, it more readily narrows the canal here and can cause myelopathy. In contrast, involvement of the sacral region is uncommon, and distribution across cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions is not equal—the cervical area is the classic site. There are genetic factors that influence susceptibility, so saying it is unrelated to chromosome abnormalities isn’t accurate. This is why the correct statement is that OPLL most commonly affects the cervical region.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) most often involves the cervical spine. The cervical region has a relatively narrow spinal canal and is subjected to a lot of flexion–extension movement, so when the ligament ossifies, it more readily narrows the canal here and can cause myelopathy. In contrast, involvement of the sacral region is uncommon, and distribution across cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions is not equal—the cervical area is the classic site. There are genetic factors that influence susceptibility, so saying it is unrelated to chromosome abnormalities isn’t accurate. This is why the correct statement is that OPLL most commonly affects the cervical region.