Professor Soo-Bin Lim from the Department of Neurosurgery at Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon Successfully Treats Patient with Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL) Using Mongolia’s First Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion

As part of a medical training project between the Health Development Center (HDC) under the Ministry of Health of Mongolia, and Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, a delegation from Gyeonggi Province visited Ulaanbaatar. This visit was aimed at conducting a ‘Mento-Mentee Collabo Surgery’ with two medical staff from the National Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics of Mongolia, who are currently training at Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, and Professor Im Soo-bin (Department of Neurosurgery, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon).

At the end of last year, Professor Im Soo-bin performed surgery on a patient with OPLL at the First Central Hospital of Mongolia alongside Mongolian medical staff. The surgery, which involved an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion and posterior longitudinal ligament removal for spinal nerve decompression, drew significant attention as it was unfamiliar and unprecedented in Mongolia.

OPLL is a condition where the posterior longitudinal ligament gradually calcifies over a long period, compressing the spinal cord and leading to a gradual decline in upper and lower limb function. It often results in imbalance, muscle weakness, and coordination issues, making patients prone to falls. Since there is no pain in the early stages, patients often do not seek medical attention until they experience unstable walking or minor falls that can lead to paralysis. OPLL is a common condition among East Asians, including Mongolians, Koreans, Japanese, and Chinese, making it a shared concern.

Surgical methods include direct removal of the posterior longitudinal ligament through anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion, and posterior laminoplasty to widen the spinal canal. The posterior approach does not fundamentally remove the calcified posterior longitudinal ligament, posing a risk of recurrence. Additionally, it can damage the muscles and ligaments at the back of the cervical spine, potentially leading to forward bending deformities. Even in Japan, where surgical techniques for this condition have been developed, the posterior approach has been predominantly used over the anterior approach.

The anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion performed by Professor Im Soo-bin fundamentally removes the posterior longitudinal ligament, preventing recurrence and effectively decompressing the spinal nerves. However, the anterior approach is highly challenging. Minor manipulations during surgery can cause irreversible damage to the spinal cord, and complications such as massive bleeding and cerebrospinal fluid leakage make it a difficult procedure for spinal surgeons.

The day after the surgery (December 19), the patient showed rapid improvement in finger and toe movements and was able to walk immediately. Professor Im Soo-bin stated, “Despite the different surgical environment and lack of equipment, the surgery was successful thanks to the help of the Mongolian Ministry of Health and my students. I hope the Mongolian medical staff will continue to develop the surgical techniques they have learned.”

Meanwhile, through health and medical cooperation between the Mongolian government and the Gyeonggi Provincial Government of South Korea, many Mongolian medical staff are planned to continue their training at excellent medical institutions in Gyeonggi Province.

Website: https://international.schmc.ac.kr/bucheonEng/index.do