Sudden quadriplegia complicating ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

The association of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) has been recently described. It may result in devastating compressive myelopathy. We report a case of quadriplegia complicating OPLL in a patient with DISH. In addition, we present a brief review of the literature on OPLL. This report illustrates the importance of appropriate neurologic and radiologic evaluation of persons with DISH, to help prevent severe neurologic complications.