Spontaneous stabilisation of postlaminectomy cervical kyphosis by anterior longitudinal ligament ossification

Avadhani A, Shetty AP, Rajasekaran S
Correspondence: Dr S Rajasekaran, sr@gangahospital.com

ABSTRACT
Cervical laminectomy has been known to cause postlaminectomy kyphosis and instability, often necessitating extensive anterior and posterior procedures with instrumentation for the stabilisation and correction of the deformity. We report a case of spontaneous stabilisation of postlaminectomy cervical kyphosis by anterior longitudinal ossification in the absence of an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament, thus circumventing the need for surgical intervention.

Keywords: cervical laminectomy, ossified anterior longitudinal ligament, ossified posterior longitudinal ligament, postlaminectomy kyphosis
Singapore Med J 2010; 51(4): e66-e68