Abstract
Study design: Case report of a rare form of hypertrophy of the thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament (HPLL), causing paraparesis.
Objective: To describe this very rare pathological condition in the thoracic spine and the results of surgical intervention.
Setting: A department of orthopaedic surgery in Japan.
Methods: A 61-year-old man presented with acute paraparesis associated with HPLL in the thoracic region. A radiographic and pathological review of the case was conducted. Anterior decompression was performed, and he was followed for 3 years after the operation.
Results: Pathologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed proliferation of fibrocartilage and calcification. The patient's paraparesis ameliorated after the operation.
Conclusion: For this case of myelopathy due to HPLL in the thoracic spine, urgent decompression gave excellent results. Clinical awareness of HPLL may aid correct diagnosis and prompt therapy.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Prof. T Inuzuka of Dept. of Geriatrics and Neurology, Gifu University, and Drs T Nishimoto, T Hiramatsu, and N Suzuki of Yoro Central Hospital.
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Nozawa, S., Shimizu, K., Miyamoto, K. et al. Sudden onset of paraparesis caused by hypertrophy of the thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament. Spinal Cord 41, 53–55 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3101396
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3101396
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