抄録
We evaluated the results of posterior decompression for the thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of spinal ligaments in seven patients (three male and four female) whose mean age at the time of the operation and duration of follow-up were 56.3 years (range, 43 to 76 years) and 2.7 years (range, one month to seven years), respectively. Four patients had ossification of the yellow ligament (T7-12: one, T10-12: two, T11-12: one), one had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T2-5), and two had both of them (T7-12: one, T10-12: one).
The patients rated on JOA score except points of upper extremity, and kyphosis was evaluated radiologically using Cobb's angle. The average score of 7.6 points postoperatively was significantly greater (p<0.05) than that of 5.8 points preoperatively. The recovery rate (Hirabayashi) averaged 35% and was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the patients with ossification of spinal ligaments of the upper thoracic spine than in those of the lower thoracic spine.
The average preoperative and postoperative Cobb's angles were 9.5° and 11.9°, respectively. Five of seven patients gained Cobb's angle after operation, however this increment of kyphosis was not significant.
