Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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Surgical results in cervical myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) evaluated with a patient-based method have not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine patient satisfaction with surgery for cervical myelopathy due to OPLL and to clarify factors related to satisfaction. ⋯ Eighty percent of patients were satisfied with the surgical results after treatment of cervical myelopathy due to OPLL. Surgery for cervical OPLL was effective, as evaluated by both doctor- and patient-based methods. Patient satisfaction was related to QOL, PF (especially LEF), and improvement.
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The object of this study was to determine if the addition of transverse connectors (TCs) to a rod-screw construct leads to increased stabilization of the cervical spine. ⋯ Regardless of the degree of cervical destabilization, 1 or 2 TCs decreased motion compared with rods and screws alone. Axial rotation was most affected. Transverse connectors effectively increase the rigidity of rod-screw constructs in the cervical spine. Severe cervical instability can be overcome with the use of 2 TCs, but in cases in which 2 cannot be used, 1 should be adequate and superior to none.