Progress in animal models of ossification of spinal ligaments

Abstract

Ossification of spinal ligament (OSL) is a common clinical disease associated with many factors while its etiology is unknown. It is characterized by heterotopic ossification of spinal ligament, which leaded to narrowing of spinal canal diameter, followed by spinal cord and nerve root lesions in varying degrees, including ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and ossification of flavum ligament (OLF). At present, surgical intervention of ossification of spinal ligament is the only effective treatment method, while the clinical effect is not very satisfactory. Therefore, understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of the ossification of the spinal ligament has important clinical significance for the prevention and treatment of ossification of the ligament. The pathogenesis of ossification of spinal ligament is complex. An ideal animal model is of great significance in studying its etiology and pathogenesis. In this paper, the modeling methods of various animal models of spinal ligament ossification in recent years were reviewed, which could provide reference for the selection of animal models for future experiments.