Anterior longitudinal ligament ossification

Introduction of anterior longitudinal ligament ossification Clinically, the anterior longitudinal ligament ossification is much more than that of the posterior longitudinal ligament ossification. About 80% of the cervical lateral radiographs of people over 50 years old can show this feature, which occurs in the lumbar spine. It accounts for half, and the incidence of thoracic vertebrae is the lowest. However, the real symptoms (mostly neck discomfort, individual can have esophageal compression, and occur in the chest, lumbar vertebrae, rarely cause symptoms), only account for 0.1% to 0.3%, so generally not People pay attention to it. basic knowledge The proportion of illness: 0.005% Susceptible people: no specific population Mode of infection: non-infectious Complications: cervical spondylosis

Anterior longitudinal ligament ossification

(1) Causes of the disease

Most are due to degeneration of the interbody joints.

(two) pathogenesis

Except for the unexplained idiopathic anterior longitudinal ligament ossification, the vast majority of cases are due to the degenerative changes of the intervertebral joints; in addition, the excessive movement or trauma of the cervical and lumbar spine is a secondary factor due to Degeneration of the vertebral ganglia begins with dehydration and loosening, gradually causing relaxation of the anterior longitudinal ligament, and gradually ligament-subperiosteal hemorrhage and nucleus pulposus advancement (or protrusion), while forming the anterior sphenoid spur at the same time, local The ligament is also calcified and gradually ossified. This pathological process often lasts for many years, and finally causes a decrease in the degree of vertebral activity, and even the vertebral joint is completely ossified and fused. This phenomenon can also be regarded as the human body self. A form of defense against protective responses to slow the progression of pathological processes in diseased vertebrae.

Anterior longitudinal ligament ossification prevention

Pay attention to exercise and increase the intake of calcium. You should eat high-calcium food. Reduce risk factors such as smoking and alcohol, and improve your immunity.

Anterior longitudinal ligament ossification complications Complications cervical spondylosis

In the cervical vertebra can be complicated by esophageal compression type cervical spondylosis.

Anterior longitudinal ligament ossification symptoms common symptoms ligament ossification dysphagia calcification pharyngeal foreign body sensation

Early onset

The neck discomfort caused by local sinus vertebral nerve reflex is presented, and the activity is less flexible and local pain (both lighter). With a large spur of the anterior vertebral ganglion, it can cause dysphagia and foreign body sensation in the throat and form esophageal compression type cervical spondylosis. In the lumbar region, the symptoms are mild or asymptomatic.

2. Simple anterior longitudinal ligament ossification

There are few positive signs to see. A wide range of cervical vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae can be mild to moderately restricted, mainly affecting extension and flexion.

3. Other

In addition to a few cases may be associated with other parts of ossification or calcification, generally no positive findings.

Examination of anterior longitudinal ligament ossification

Imaging examination is the main basis for the diagnosis of this disease, including:

1. X-ray plain film mainly shows lateral ligament with calcified (ossified) shadow on the lateral X-ray film, which can be single-section (isolated) or multi-segment (scattered or diffuse) with spur formation The image is especially clear (Fig. 1). It has multiple necks 4 to 5 and necks 5 to 6, followed by necks 3 to 4 and necks 6 to 7. The waist is more common in the lower lumbar and lumbosacral segments. This is consistent with the neck and lumbar degeneration, and the calcium (bone) ligaments are mostly strip-like, and can also be bulged to the front.

2. Tomography and CT examination have the greatest significance for the diagnosis of this disease, especially in early cases.

3. MRI examination of simple patients generally do not need MRI examination; but when it affects the surrounding soft tissue, it is necessary to determine the involvement.

Diagnosis and differentiation of anterior longitudinal ligament ossification

According to the clinical manifestations, especially based on X-ray films, CT, MRI examination, the diagnosis can be determined.

The diagnosis of this disease is mainly based on clinical manifestations and imaging findings, generally with cervical spondylosis, cervical spinal stenosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and idiopathic, diffuse hyperosteogeny and lumbar instability. Lumbar disc herniation and the like are accompanied, so the relevant diseases should be identified.

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