ArticleInternational journal of spine surgery2026
Progression of Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors, Surgical Approaches, and Reoperation Rates.
Article in International journal of spine surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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10 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundCervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) frequently progresses despite decompression surgery, leading to recurrent myelopathy. This meta-analysis aims to quantify risk factors for OPLL progression, compare surgical strategies, and determine the pooled reoperation rate due to symptomatic progression.
methodsFollowing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 26 high-quality studies comprising 1929 patients were included. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess risk factors, and all of the analyses were done with a random-effects model. A network meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted to compare surgical approaches, utilizing laminoplasty (LP) as the reference node.
resultsSignificant demographic risk factors for OPLL progression included younger age (SMD: -0.68,
conclusionsOPLL progression is statistically predictable, driven by younger age, higher body mass index, reduced cervical range of motion, and mixed-type morphology. Because anterior and fusion procedures were associated with lower progression rates compared with LP, these approaches should be considered in high-risk patients; however, these findings should be interpreted with caution given the heterogeneity across included studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For patients with high-risk profiles (eg, mixed-type OPLL), fusion or anterior decompression should be strongly considered over LP. When laminoplasty is used in high-risk patients, they should be advised on the necessity of long-term surveillance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3:
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