Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a disease rarely presented in the roentgenological literature. It is a multifactorial, genetically conditioned disease manifested by pain of the cervical spine, paraesthesias, motor and sensory disorders and hyperreflexia. A crucial role in the diagnosis of the disease is played by imaging methods, in particular CT and tomography of the cervical spine. The authors present the case of a patient with OPLL of the second segmental type in the area of the cervical spine. They pay attention to the differential diagnosis of the disease and demonstrate the advantages of CT as compared with MRI in the diagnosis. In their patient however MRI revealed protrusions of intervertebral discs as the main cause of the patient’s complaints.

        Key words: OPLL - ossification - posterior longitudinal ligament - CT - MRI