Use of an Ultrasonic Osteotome for Direct Removal of Beak-Type Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Thoracic Spine.

ABSTRACT: Direct removal of beak-type ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament at thoracic spine (T-OPLL) is a challenging surgical technique due to the potential risk of neural injury. Slipping off the cutting surface of a high-speed drill may result in entrapment in neural structures, leading to serious complications. Removal of T-OPLL with an ultrasonic osteotome, utilizing back and forth micro-motion of a blade rather than rotatory-motion of drill, may reduce such complications. We have applied the ultrasonic osteotome for posterior circumferential decompression of T-OPLL for three consecutive patients with beak-type OPLL and have described the surgical techniques and patient outcomes. The preoperative chief complaint was gait disturbance in all patients. Japanese orthopedic association s

SUBMITTER: Kim CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4728100 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature