XI. IVD: Posterior Longitudinal Lig.

Question 1

What vertebral levels will the posterior longitudinal lig. attach to?

Answer 1

those between C2 and S3 inclusive are traditionally indicated

Question 2

Newer research suggests what regional variation in the posterior longitudinal lig?

Answer 2

prominent in the cervicals, occasional in the thoracics, rare in the lumbars

Question 3

What is the relationship of the posterior longitudinal lig. to the vertebral foramen?

Answer 3

it forms the anterior boundary of the spinal canal

Question 4

What is the innermost layer of the posterior longitudinal lig. called?

Answer 4

the perivertebral lig.

Question 5

Where is ossification of the posterior longitudinal lig. most commonly identified?

Answer 5

the cervical spine with an 80% incidence

Question 6

What is the clinical sign of posterior longitudinal lig. ossification in the cervical spine?

Answer 6

a loss of hand and finger dexterity

Question 7

What is the incidence of posterior longitudinal lig. ossification in the thoracic and lumbar spine?

Answer 7

about 10% at the thoracic and 10% at the lumbar spine

Question 8

What is the clinical sign of posterior longitudinal lig. ossification in the lumbar spine?

Answer 8

faltering gait

Question 9

What is the gender, age, and ethnic bias associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal lig?

Answer 9

It is greater in males over 50 and has a higher incidence in the Japanese

Question 10

What is the acronym for ossification of the posterior longitudinal lig?

Answer 10

OPLL

Question 11

At one time ossification of the posterior longitudinal lig. was an example of what condition?

Answer 11

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis or DISH