Cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament revealed by cervical trauma: A case report with literature review

Background: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) refers to bone formation within the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spinal column. This disease of the cervical spine results in a reduced volume of the spinal canal and can cause spinal cord damage. The onset of cervical OPLL is insidious. OPLL may increase the risk of spinal cord injury with various neurological deficits after minor trauma. An acute event can reveal a previously unknown or paucysymptomatic cervical OLLP.
The aim: To present a case of unknown cervical OLLP revealed by cervical trauma after a traffic road accident.
Case report: A 47-year-old female presented intractable cervicobrachial neuralgia in the posttraumatic aftermath of a traffic road accident. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an isolated OPLL from C5 to C6, causing significant nerve compression operated via anterior approach with discectomy and intervertebral cervical cage.
Conclusion: Acute cervical trauma must be considered a mode of revelation of previously unknown or paucisymptomatic cervical OLLP and must be considered in the emergency room.