%0 Journal Article
%T Posterior Thoracic Antidisplacement and Fusion Surgery for a Special Type of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Thoracic Spine: Indications and Preliminary Clinical Results of 2-Year Follow-Up.
%A Chen G
%A Chen Z
%A Li W
%A Qi Q
%A Guo Z
%A Zhong W
%A Jiang Y
%A Wu F
%A Song C
%A Sun C
%J World Neurosurg
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 9
%M 38992726
%F 2.21
%R 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.07.040
%X OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel technique, posterior thoracic antidisplacement and fusion (PTAF), for a special type of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine (T-OPLL), and to evaluate its safety and efficacy.
METHODS: From July to December 2020, 5 consecutive patients with beak-type T-OPLL located at the thoracic vertebral body level underwent PTAF surgery. Their demographic data, radiological parameters, perioperative complications, and surgery-related findings were recorded and analyzed. The surgical outcomes were assessed using a modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale, and the recovery rate was calculated using the Hirabayashi's method.
RESULTS: All patients were followed up for at least two years. The mean thickness of OPLL was 9.4 ± 1.0 mm, and the OPLL spinal canal occupying ratio was 67.7% ± 8.5%. Postoperatively, the mean antidisplacement distance of OPLL was 8.1 ± 1.8 mm, and the average shortened distance of the spinal column was 6.0 ± 1.13 mm. The mean operation time and blood loss were 158.2 ± 26.3 minutes and 460 ± 89.4 mL, respectively. Perioperative complications were cerebrospinal fluid leakage and instrument failure, 2 cases each. The mean modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score was increased from 3.6 ± 2.9 before surgery to 9.4 ± 3.0 at the last follow-up, and the average recovery rate was 84.2 ± 30.5%.
CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary clinical outcomes indicate that PTAF is a safe and effective method for the treatment of beak-type T-OPLL, which has its apex located at the vertebral body level and has a high spinal canal occupation ratio.