Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Identified by Neurological Examination in a Patient Initially Suspected of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: To emphasize the importance of clinical evaluation when radiological findings and neurological symptoms are inconsistent, focusing on preventing misdiagnosis.A patient initially diagnosed with L5-S1 herniated intervertebral disc was reviewed.Symptoms of lower limb paraplegia and abdominal sensory abnormalities were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale, manual muscle testing, and whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging to correlate clinical and imaging findings.Imaging revealed extensive ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament from T2 to T9 with severe myelopathy at T7-8, leading to a revised diagnosis.The patient was classified with an ASIA grade D injury.This necessitated discontinuing conservative treatment and considering surgery.Comprehensive neurological examination is crucial when clinical symptoms and imaging mismatch.This process is essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
DOI: 10.69770/jkmi.260001
Institution: Woosuk University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7128780297