MAY'S MONTHLY TOPIC: WHAT IS OPLL?

MAY’S MONTHLY TOPIC: OPLL DISCLAIMER Due To Copyright information on this specific topic, I compiled my information on simple Google searches based on what others asked online. Please Do Not take anything written/shared on any social media platform as fact. Please do your due diligence, and research certified well-known professionals in your area and any topic. thank you for the continued support, we hope it continues as we grow. founder, Jessica  P.S. PLEASE DO NOT SELF-DIAGNOSIS. THAT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. What is ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament? Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, also known as OPLL? A: It’s a spinal condition where the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes calcified and less flexible. Is OPLL a disease? A: Yes, OPLL has an incidence of 1.9% to 4.3% in Japan and 0.01% to 1.7% in Europe: males are twice as likely to have OPLL as females and the average age at onset is older than 50 years. OPLL is known to have a strong genetic predisposition and a prevalence of 29% in siblings has been demonstrated. What causes this condition to occur? A: OPLL is a multifactorial condition caused by ectopic hyperostosis and calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Familial inheritance and genetic factors have been implicated in the etiology of OPLL. The cervical spine is most commonly affected followed by the thoracic spine. A: The exact cause for this condition is as of right now, unknown. When does OPLL typically happen? A: occurs when the soft tissues on the spine calcify and narrow the spinal canal. This causes compression of the nerves in the cervical spinal cord. What causes the calcification of spinal ligaments? A: Calcification of the ligamentum flavum is a process of unknown pathogenesis. A proposed theory is that repetitive microtrauma to the ligamentum flavum initiates the calcific deposition. This microtrauma leads to neovascularization, permeability, and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum. What should people know about this condition? A: As stated earlier while the cause of this condition is unknown, this condition does dhow that affect people of Asian descent. The following also can play a role in this condition: Genetics Lifestyle Hormones factors What are the risk factors of OPPL? A: A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (Odds ratio (OR): 1.03), male sex (OR: 1.91), and the presence of plaque in the carotid artery (OR: 1.71) were risk factors for OPLL. Is OPLL Hereditary? A: Yes, Several clinical and environmental factors, including age, diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, Vitamin A-rich diet, exercise, and abnormal mechanical stress to the head have been considered risk factors for OPLL. On the other hand, OPLL is known to have a strong genetic predisposition. What are the clinical symptoms of OPLL, (early stage)? A: At the early stage, most OPLL patients do not have symptoms and complain of mild pain, discomfort, or numbness in their hands. As OPLL grows, symptoms increase in severity due to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. What is myelopathy? A: It is a significant spinal injury that can be caused by several conditions like spinal injury, trauma, or degenerative disc disease. Does OPLL cause myelopathy? A: Yes, Cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL) is recognized as a common clinical entity that causes complicated myelopathy of the cervical spinal cord. It is believed that myelopathy develops due to compression of the spine by C-OPLL. What are the options for treating OPLL? A: OPLL can be treated via an anterior (ie, corpectomy and fusion) or posterior (ie, laminectomy and fusion or laminoplasty) approach, or both. The optimal approach is dictated by the classification and extent of OPLL, cervical spine sagittal alignment, severity of stenosis, and history of previous surgery. Treatments. When symptoms are mild and not progressive, OPLL can be addressed with nonoperative measures. Nonoperative treatments may include pain medications, anti- inflammatory medications, anticonvulsants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and topical opioids. What is conservative treatment for OPLL? A: Conservative Therapy for Cervical OPLL Conservative therapy for cervical radicular pain and axial pain is performed using various medications, including anti-inflammatory analgesics, muscle relaxants, vitamin B12, neuropathic pain medications, steroids, and weak opioids.