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 liga ment of the spine (OPLL) and age-matched control subjects. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of these biochemical markers of the pa tients with OPLL. Setting: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of M edicine, Hamamatsu, Japan. Methods: Spot urine and blood samples were obtained from 20 healthy males a ged 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 t he patients with OPLL.