Ossification foci act as stabilizers in continuous-type ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a comparative study between laminectomy and laminoplasty

摘要

In multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), laminectomy is an effective surgical technique; however, there is a possibility of kyphotic alignment change after surgery. Nevertheless, in the continuous type of OPLL, the ossification foci are connected and may act as stabilizers preventing alignment change. We here compare the surgical outcome of laminectomy and laminoplasty in continuous-type OPLL of the cervical spine.