ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

[ossification]

I have opll- ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine region c2 thru c4. I had laminoplasty surgery 1 year and 3 months ago in the cervical region to alleviate the severe spinal stenosis with spinal cord compression that was occurring partly because of the OPLL. I have had more pain since the surgery than prior to the surgery, My surgery was from c2-c7 in all. I had a mylogram and mri about 3 months after the surgery and I had mild stenosis in the c2 thru c4 region. I had another mri 12 months after the surgery and my stenosis was diagnosed now as moderate versus mild in the c2 thru c4 region. In one years time the opll has been growing and causing progressive stenosis in the c2 thru c4 region. I have other issues with my neck too. The lordic curve in my neck is messed up now, especially in the c5-c6 region. I am scheduled to have another cervical mri the last day of this month. Then I am scheduled to see a orthosurgeon, and the neurosurgeon who did my surgery, next month to get there opinion on the results of my next mri.I live in the Kansas city area. I am wondering is there anyone out there that has had OPLL and has had surgery for it? If so, did they continue to have OPLL growth and repeated problems with it? I am also wanting to find a neurosurgeon that is experienced in operating on OPLL. Anyone out there that has the OPLL.
Pam

[fourmom45]

My doctor is Gene Pait at UAMS in Little Rock Arkansas!  I have the same questions as you guys....My surgery was a year ago and I just had a new MRI which showed no change before the surgery..I'm so confused by this....I's wondering if OPLL grows back that quick..I'm in so much pain with the rhumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia its unbearable, but I go on and try so hard to deal with it!  Does anyone know the progression of OPLL what is the out come?  Honestly!  Since mine has grown back in other areas this time will I have to have more surgery?  THis is crazy not to have information out there for us and the doctors just dont tell you enough!  Its out body!  Our life!  

[Hammerjet]

I was today diagnosed with OPLL in C4-C6.  I am 58, active, healthy and never been injured.  I need to make a decision if I am going to have surgery.  I am looking for good web sites on reports or articles to help me make this decision.  Can you or any one else make any recommendations?

[rino1964]

I have the same questions that you had. Can you give me any pointers?

[rino1964]

What's the name of the 2 doctors?

[ossification]

Thanks tightneck for responding! I noticed pain in my upper right arm off and on for probably about 10 months prior to surgery. I started having throbbing pain off and on each day in my neck about 6 months prior to surgery. I also started having electical shocks running up my left hand and arm when bending over about 4 months before surgery. The last few months before surgery I would walk kind of crooked sometimes. I also had weird headaches for over a year before surgery. I don't know if my neck is the cause of bladder problems, but 2 years prior to surgery I developed a very over active bladder. I also don't know if my neck is to blame or not, but for at least 5 years prior to surgery, I would about trip over my right foot when walking sometimes, I would be walking along and my foot wouldn't pick up.    The main reason I agreed to surgery is because of the severe stenosis with spinal cord compression, I was told I could easily be paralyzed by a minor accident. This thought scared me into surgery basically. My Neurosurgeon that operated on me, had previously removed a large tumor from my brothers head, so I trusted this surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Chilton, a great deal. I still trust him, but he did not warn me that OPLL was progressive. I think my OPLL is progressing faster than probably usual, so that may be why he did not tell me it was progressive. Chilton told me that after the surgery, my neck should be good for along time. I have neck pain, right shoulder, and upper right arm pain, and have difficulty holding up my head especially when standing for a long time. My range of motion in my neck has diminished alot. My worst is trying to look up, I really can't anymore look beyond normal eye level.  
Have you had surgery for OPLL? Who was your surgeon? How long did you have symptoms prior to surgery and what were your symptoms. Has your opll progressed? I am 48 years old, what is your age? How are your symptoms now? Any insight into this OPLL is appreciated. Who are the surgeons and where are they located, that have experience with opll. I have been feeling alone with this problem, since it seems to be fairly rare. I have seen 2 Neurologists that don't have any other patients with OPLL. Thanks again for your response!!!
Pam

[tightneck]

i have opll and have the name of 2 surgeons that specialize in thi surgery. how long did you wait from the time youy were diagnosed until the surgery? what were your sympyons prior to surgery?