Article Figures & Data
Figures
- Figure 1
Key procedural steps of the endoscopic posterior decompression of OPLL are shown. The V point of the targeted segment is the landmark where the needle and working cannula can be placed safely. The bony decompression of the surgical lamina is then performed with a diamond burr, beginning medially to the most lateral border of the ligamentum flavum until it is completely exposed. Finally, the ligamentum flavum is removed with an endoscopic rongeur exposing the dura sac.
- Figure 2
Axial and sagittal preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) image of a patient suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy due to ossified posterior longitudinal ligament are shown. The decompression was performed endoscopically under direct visualization employing a direct posterior approach. The postoperative image showed the cervical spine’s decompression extent on axial and sagittal preoperative MRI and the 3-dimensional reconstruction CT image.
- Figure 3
Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) image are shown of a patient with ossified posterior longitudinal ligament of C4-C5. The posterior endoscopic decompression was performed under local anesthesia. The postoperative 3-dimensional reconstruction CT image confirmed extensive canal decompression at the surgical level.
- Figure 4
Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) image of another ossified posterior longitudinal ligament patient. Postoperative 3-dimensional reconstruction and axial CT images showed significant canal expansion after the posterior endoscopic decompression.
Tables
- Table
Gender, age, and surgical levels of ossified posterior longitudinal ligament study patients.
Case No. Gender Age, y Surgical Levels 1 Male 66 C2-C4 2 Male 66 C2-C7 3 Male 54 C3-C4 4 Female 62 C3-C5 5 Male 58 C3-C6 6 Male 74 C3-C6 7 Female 76 C3-C7 8 Male 50 C3-T1 9 Male 72 C4-C5 10 Male 44 C4-C6 11 Female 74 C4-C7 12 Male 42 C5-C6 13 Male 54 C5-C6
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