Ossification of the lumbar posterior longitudinal ligament and lumbago

Abstract

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a condition of abnormal calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, mostly found in men, the elderly, and Asian patients, hence the name Japanese disease. The cervical spine area is the most typical location (75%), but can also affect the thoracic (15%) or lumbar (10%) spine. The spinal cord can be compressed by this lesion, which can cause neurological deficits. The treatment of choice for patients with symptomatic OPLL is surgery to relieve spinal cord compression. We report an exceptional case of lumbar ossification of the OPLL in a Moroccan patient.