Which symptoms are associated with OPLL?

Which symptoms are associated with OPLL?

• A. Faltering Gait And Loss Of Hand/Finger Dexterity
• B. Severe Neck Pain
• C. Lower Back Numbness
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (A)

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament narrows the cervical spinal canal and compresses the spinal cord, leading to myelopathy. The most characteristic early signs are problems with gait and fine hand function, reflecting disruption of motor and sensory pathways in the cervical cord. Faltering gait and loss of hand/finger dexterity capture this pattern of cervical myelopathy from OPLL, making it the best choice. Neck pain can occur but isn’t the defining feature of the myelopathy itself. Lower back numbness points to issues lower in the spine rather than cervical cord compression, and dizziness is non-specific and not a classic presentation of cervical OPLL.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament narrows the cervical spinal canal and compresses the spinal cord, leading to myelopathy. The most characteristic early signs are problems with gait and fine hand function, reflecting disruption of motor and sensory pathways in the cervical cord. Faltering gait and loss of hand/finger dexterity capture this pattern of cervical myelopathy from OPLL, making it the best choice.

Neck pain can occur but isn’t the defining feature of the myelopathy itself. Lower back numbness points to issues lower in the spine rather than cervical cord compression, and dizziness is non-specific and not a classic presentation of cervical OPLL.