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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2001; 05(2): 203-206
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-15681
Radiological Changes Related to Surgery

Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Sagittal Splitting Laminoplasty for Spinal Canal Enlargement for Ossification of the Spinal Ligaments (OPLL and OLF)

Tadashi Shimamura1 , Sadafumi Kato1 , Tamotsu Toba1 , Ken Yamazaki1 , Shigeru Ehara2
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka, Japan and
  • 2Department of Radiology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka, Japan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Patients have been followed up radiologically after sagittal splitting laminoplasty (SSL) for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and ligamentum flavum. The enlarged spinal canal was maintained satisfactorily in all the cases, and the posterior spinal elements were also almost completely restored. In most cases, the range of the vertebral motion was good with more than 50% of the preoperative status. Postoperative instability of the vertebral column was not identified in any case. Mild cervical kyphosis was noted in 6% of cervical OPLL patients. There were no patients with neurological deterioration. Using SSL, reconstruction and restoration of the posterior spinal elements and retention of the enlarged spinal canal were accomplished safely and adequately.

KEYWORD

Laminoplasty - ossification - posterior longitudinal ligament - ligamentum flavum

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