Biomedical Research

Ossification of the transverse atlantal ligament (OTAL) is rarely reported in literature. We describe a case of OTAL complicated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Patient’s history, physical examination, radiographic evaluation and nonsurgical interventions are examined. Relevant literature is also reviewed. On systemic examination, the patient was complicated with ossification of ligamentum flavum and posterior longimental ligament in the thoracic spine. Since the symptom of cervical spine was mild, the patient was treated with decompression laminectomy of the thoracic spine firstly. OTAL may also occur in AS patient because of its clinicopathological characteristics. Conservative treatment plays an important role in the treatment of some cases of OTAL.

Author(s): Zhen Zhang, Zhonghan Liu, Jianguang Zhu
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