Segmental Subtotal Corpectomy and Reconstruction With Titanium Cage and Anterior Plate for Multilevel Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

This retrospective study assessed the outcomes of segmental subtotal corpectomy with titanium cage reconstruction and anterior plate fixation for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. The study included 34 patients with multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament who underwent segmental subtotal corpectomy with titanium cage reconstruction and anterior plate fixation from June 2005 to May 2011. Clinical and radiologic data were obtained. Neurologic function was evaluated by Japanese Orthopedic Association scores before and after surgery. No death, paralysis, or other surgically associated injuries occurred. After surgery, the bone graft fusion was firm, with no cases of lack of postoperative bone fusion, broken or loose titanium plate and screws, dislodged titanium cage, or injury to the vertebral artery, nerve root, or spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 cases. Japanese Orthopedic Association scores improved from 6.74±1.82 preoperatively to 11.33±3.5 postoperatively (P<.05). Neurologic outcomes were excellent or good in 84.21% of patients at follow-up of 1 to 6 years. No postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred. Reasonable and skilled operation of the pneumatic drill is the key to successful surgery. Anterior corpectomy with titanium cage reconstruction and plate fixation and drilling applications can directly remove the hypertrophy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and relieve spinal cord compression. This technique retained the integrity of the vertebrae, increasing the possibility of bone graft healing. Segmental subtotal corpectomy with titanium cage reconstruction and anterior plate fixation can be used for the treatment of multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(6):e1140-e1146.].