Thoracic anterior controllable antedisplacement fusion for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: A case report.

Background: Thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) is caused by the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament occupying space in the spinal canal, which causes compression of the thoracic spinal cord. Surgical treatment is difficult, risky and complicated; thus, clinical treatment is difficult at present.

Case summary: A case of severe multi-segmental T-OPLL treated with thoracic anterior controllable antedisplacement fusion (TACAF) is reported, including the surgical procedures and analysis of the clinical data. The modified-Japanese Orthopaedic Association score in this patient was 4 before surgery, and it was raised to 9 after the operation. The symptoms of spinal canal compression were subsequently relieved. Three months after surgery, digital radiography showed good healing and recovery of limb sensory function.

Conclusion: This case report suggests that TACAF is feasible for the treatment of long-segment T-OPLL, and has the advantages of low risk and reduced trauma. However, this operation still needs to be verified by clinical research with a larger sample size.