Video-assisted thoracoscopic removal of ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the thoracic spine: a case report.

BACKGROUND

When the transthoracic approach is used for the treatment of a thoracic ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), there could be a lot of operative risks, morbidity, and mortality for the patient.

CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old female manifested back pain and tingling sensations in both legs due to OPLL at the T6-7 level. A thoracoscopic procedure was performed to remove the OPLL, achieving complete decompression of thoracic cord. The symptoms were relieved and the patient was discharged on the sixth day after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

A minimally invasive procedure using the thoracoscopic technique could be a good alternative option in selected cases when a conventional transthoracic approach is impossible due to the patient's general condition.