Objective
To investigate prevalence of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in Korean patients with Spondyloarthropathies (SpA), and the associations between OPLL and clinical, radiologic findings of SpA. Method: A cross-sectional radiological review was performed in patients diagnosed with SpA from 2000 to 2007. Each of two physiatrists and musculoskeletal radiologists screened the cervical (lateral) and pelvis (anterior-posterior) radiographs of these patients separately, then confirmed presence of OPLL. Bath ankylosing spondylitis radiology index (BASRI) of the cervical spine and grade of sacroiliitis were also measured. A review of the medical records and laboratory findings was conducted to investigate the association between the clinical, laboratory findings and the OPLL. Results: Among 172 patients with SpA, OPLL was found in 16 patients (9.3%; 95% CI 5.0, 13.6). There were significant associations between OPLL and old age (p=0.043), symptoms and signs of myeloradiculopathy (p=0.030), and diabetes mellitus (DM) (p=0.022). Conclusion: The prevalence of OPLL in Korean patients with SpA is 9.3%. OPLL in patients with SpA is associated with old age, symptoms and signs of myeloradiculopathy, and diabetes. However, no factors specific characteristics of SpA were associated with OPLL. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2009; 33: 557-563)
