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Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Patient Data

Age: Adult
Gender: Male

Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

Cervical spine

x-ray

Irregular opacity is noted masking spinal canal shadow.

Spondylodegenerative changes, seen as marginal osteophytes at C5/6 level anteriorly.

Spondylodegenerative changes, seen as marginal osteophytes at C5/6 level anteriorly.

Irregular lineal calcification at the posterior vertebral border occupying the anterior zone of the cervical spinal canal, consistent with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament.

Case Discussion

Features typical for ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament. This patient is of Chinese ethnic origin, which has a greater prevalence of the disease.

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