Abstract
The usefulness of nerve block therapy was examined in eight patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the cervical spine. Three patients, ranging in age from 38 to 82 years presented with cervical myelopathy and five with radiculomyelopathy. The nerve block was performed under fluoroscopy, mainly as an epidural or nerve root block. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months after treatment initiation using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale for the evaluation of cervical myelopathy. The JOA score showed a significant improvement to 14.3±1.3, from 12.4±1.1 (P<0.05). Similarly, the complaint score also showed a significant improvement to 5.4±2.3, from 10.0 (P<0.05). Remarkable improvements were noted in three patients. Five of the eight patients were satisfied with the treatment. The condition was managed by nerve block therapy performed once every two weeks in five of the eight patients or once monthly in the other three. At 2 years after treatment initiation, six patients were rehabilitated and seven of eight patients were satisfied with the treatment. Although nerve block therapy is not a cure for OPLL, we concluded that following up on patients whose conditions can be managed by it is worthwhile when performed on a monthly basis.
