Ossification of Porterior Longitudinal Ligament Causing Thoracic Myelopathy A Report of Six Cases

The ages of our patients ranged from thirty-eight to sixty-four; Three were male and three were female. The ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament was extended from four to eight thoracic vertebrae. The main symptoms were the difficulty in walking and numbness of the lower extremities.Three patients were treated by laminectomy and another three treated by conservative methods such as traction and thoracic brace.Two patients had paraplegia directly following operation. One patient who was treated by laminectomy showed marked improvement after operation.Two of three patients treated with conservative therapy were completly recovered from gait disturbance.