Combined stages of anteroposterior operation for ossification of cervical posterior longitudinal ligament associated with developmental spinal stenosis.

[Objective]To discuss the clinical features of ossification of cervical posterior longitudinal ligament with developmental spinal stenosis and evaluate the outcomes of combined stages of anteroposterior operation. [Methods]Thirty-nine patients admitted to our hospital from June 1999 to June 2006 underwent combined stages of anteroposterior operation.There were 28 males and 11 females,aging from 37~61 years(with the mean age of 49.7 years),with the disease-process of 5 months-10 years(average 19 months).Neurological outcome was judged by JOA grading system before and after surgery.Lordosis(kyphosis) of cervical spine was evaluated by D numerical value.[Results]There were no severe complications.Two cases of transient C5 nerve paralysis were recovered one month after surgery and two patients of fat necrosis healed satisfactorily.The average period of follow-up were 22.3 months.The preoperative JOA score was 8.26±1.32 points.The postoperative score were 12.34±1.21 points.There was significant difference between before and after surgery in JOA score and D numerical value.[Conclusion]The use of combined stages of anteroposterior operation for ossification of cervical posterior longitudinal ligament with developmental spinal stenosis can offer an excellent clinical result and have fewer complications.