• Kazuhito Sugimori, Yoshiharu Kawaguchi, Kazuo Ohmori, Masahiko Kanamori, Hirokazu Ishihara, and Tomoatsu Kimura.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama, Japan.
• Spine. 2003 Feb 15; 28 (4): 378-9.

Study DesignSerum concentrations of bone formation markers were correlated with the type, location, and progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.ObjectiveTo determine the relation between bone formation markers and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.Summary Of Background DataFew reports have correlated bone formation markers with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.MethodsIn this study, 43 patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and myelopathy underwent laminoplasty. The patients were observed for more than 10 years, after which plain radiographs and tomograms of the cervical region were taken. The radiographs were selectively performed to address thoracic and lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Serum concentrations of bone formation markers (intact osteocalcin, osteocalcin, carboxyterminal propeptide of human type 1 procollagen, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) were measured and correlated with these radiographic studies.ResultsA positive correlation was observed between intact osteocalcin, osteocalcin, and carboxyterminal propeptide of human type 1 procollagen in patients with combinations of cervical, thoracic, or lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.ConclusionsSerum concentrations of intact osteocalcin, osteocalcin, and carboxyterminal propeptide of human type 1 procollagen may reflect the activity of general ectopic bone formation in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

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