Table of Contents
What is ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, also referred to as OPLL, is a spinal condition where the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes calcified and less flexible.
What is posterior hypertrophy?
Although ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a well-known disorder that leads to myelopathy, hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament (HPLL) is a rare pathological condition. HPLL is defined by thickening of the PLL that compresses the dural tube.
What is ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament?
Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL), also called Forestier’s disease or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), is a non-inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of anterior bridging osteophytes of unknown etiology.
What is spinal ossification?
Summary. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (OPLL) is characterized by the calcification of the soft tissues that connect the bones of the spine, which may lead to compression of the spinal cord.
What is facet sclerosis and hypertrophy?
Facet Hypertrophy is the term used to describe a degeneration and enlargement of the facet joints. The facet joints, which are a pair of small joints at each level along the back of the spine, are designed to provide support, stability, and flexibility to the spine.
Where does the posterior longitudinal ligament attach?
posterior vertebral bodies
The posterior longitudinal ligament covers the posterior vertebral bodies with some space for the vascular structures. At the level of the intervertebral discs, it attaches tightly to the posterior surface of the anuli of the discs.
Why anterior longitudinal ligament is stronger than posterior?
While anteriorly the ligament is thin due to the elastic fibers, the posterior capsule of each posterior joint is thicker due to the collagenous content.
Where are secondary ossification center located?
Later, usually after birth, secondary ossification centers form in the epiphyses. Ossification in the epiphyses is similar to that in the diaphysis except that the spongy bone is retained instead of being broken down to form a medullary cavity.
What are the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments?
The Anterior Longitudinal Ligament attaches to the front (anterior) of each vertebra. This ligament runs up and down the spine (vertical or longitudinal). The Posterior Longitudinal Ligament runs up and down behind (posterior) the spine and inside the spinal canal.
What are the 5 ligaments of the spine?
There are five main ligamentous structures seen throughout the spinal column:
- Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL)
- Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL)
- Ligamentum Flavum.
- Interspinous ligaments.
- Supraspinous ligament[1]
Which movement is prevented by the posterior longitudinal ligament?
hyperflexion
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament This ligament is situated within the vertebral canal, and it prevents hyperflexion, which is when bend your spine too far forward.
What causes ossification of the nuchal ligament?
OLN may occur as a result of cervical instability caused by trauma or chronic overload2,3,11). Some investigators have suggested that OLN may be a paravertebral ligamentous ossification syndrome12,18,20).