ABSTRACT
The choice of surgical approach for myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) has been controversial. A posterior decompressive laminectomy using a high-speed air burr has often resulted in satisfactory results (4). However, a wide laminectomy led to problems secondary to postlaminectomy kyphosis, segmental instability, and postlaminectomy membrane formation. As a response to this, many methods of laminoplasty were developed to prevent the complications resulting from laminectomy. The anterior approach for OPLL allows the direct removal of the ossified ligament (1,5) or indirect decompression by releasing the lateral margins of the ossified ligament and allowing the remainder to float forward (7,10). Satisfactory results for both the posterior and anterior approach to OPLL have been reported.
