Effect of microscopically assisted decompression with micro-hook scalpel in the surgical treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the effect of microscopically assisted decompression using a micro-hook scalpel on ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). METHODS: Sixty-one patients with OPLL were divided into Group A (posterior surgery with laminectomy of the responsible segment and lateral mass screw fixation) and Group B (anterior cervical corpectomy with intervertebral titanium cage fusion). Neurological function was assessed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and recovery rate. The fixation status and the result of spinal canal decompression were radiographically assessed. RESULTS: In Groups A and B, the JOA score was significantly higher and the VAS score was significantly lower at 1 week postoperatively and at the final follow-up than during the preoperative period. The mean recovery rate in Group A and B was 59.92% ± 13.46% and 62.28% ± 14.00%, respectively. Postoperative radiographs showed good positioning and no damage to the internal fixation materials. The spinal canal was also fully decompressed. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopically assisted decompression with a micro-hook scalpel in both anterior and posterior surgeries achieved good clinical effects in patients with OPLL.