Abstract: Objective To explore the relationship of the radiological characteristics and clinical symptoms of ossification of the posteriorlongitudinal ligament (OPLL) of cervical spine. Methods 200 OPLL patients were recruited into this study. The data of JOA scores of theOPLL patients were collected. The stenotic rate of the cervical spine canal was calculated by the sagittal plane CT. The sorts and ossificatedcervicle were also identified by the images. Results The stenotic rate of the cervical spine canal was 19.8% to 60.3% with average 42.9%,the JOA scores was 4 to 15, averaged 10. Linear regression showed the stenotic rate of the cervical spine canal was negatively correlatedwith the JOA scores (P<0.01). There were 94 cases for segmental-type, 46 for mixed-type, 23 for continuous-type and 37 for focal-type. Thethird and fourth cervical vertebrae were susceptible to ossify. Conclusion The higher the OPLL occupation ratio, the worse the clinicalOPLL symptoms. The OPLL patients following clinical symptoms with spinal cord oppression are more likely the segmental-type.

Key words: ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, radiology, canal stenosis, Japaness Othopaedic Association scale