The efficacy of biochemical markers in patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine.

STUDY DESIGN

Serum levels of carboxyterminal propeptide of type I collagen (PICP), osteocalcin (OC), carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and urinary levels of pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) were measured in patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (OPLL) and age-matched control subjects.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of these biochemical markers of the patients with OPLL.

SETTING

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.

METHODS

Spot urine and blood samples were obtained from 20 healthy males aged 45 - 78 (mean+/-SD; 63. 0+/-11.5) and 22 male patients with OPLL aged 46 - 77 (mean+/-SD; 59. 9+/-8.8), and serum levels of PICP, OC, ICTP and urinary levels of Pyr and Dpyr were measured.

RESULTS

There were no significant difference in age, serum PICP, OC, ICTP, urinary Pyr and Dpyr levels between OPLL and control group.

CONCLUSION

Neither bone formation nor bone resorption was accelerated in the patients with OPLL.