Postoperative Course of Numbness in Patients with Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament of the Cervical Spine

Motor function can be improved in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligaments (OPLL) with operative treatment, but numbness of the extremities is complained with long term follow-up surgery. The anthors investigated the improvement of numbness from the standpoint of patients. Thirty-five patients with OPLL who underwent surgery at different hospitals were reviewed by a questionnaire survey. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 10 years and 3 months. The postoperative improvement of numbness and the relation between the JOA score and improvement of numbness were investigated. The rate of improvement in the JOA score was 52%, but numbness disappeared postoperatively only in four patients. Some patients were not satisfied with their operative results because of intractable numbness. The surgical outcome of patients with OPLL should be evaluated giving consideration to the improvement of numbness.