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Background Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is characterized by the replacement of ligamentous tissue with new ectopic bone formation, and has a strong genetic background. Because of the abnormal bone metabolic features and the strong genetic component, osteoporosis is a related disorder with OPLL. Three polymorphisms on chromosome 20p12 were identified associated with the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture.The rs996544 (C/T) TT and rs965291 (G/A) AA genotypes conferred higher risks for vertebral and hip fractures. The osteoporosis haplotype is defined by two polymorphisms, rs1116867 (A) and D35548 (T). However, it remains unknown whether these three polymorphisms predispose to an increased frequency and severity of OPLL in Han Chinese patients.Methods A total of 420 OPLL patients and 506 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs996544 (C/T), rs965291 (G/A) and rs1116867 (A/G), were analyzed by direct sequencing.Associations between these SNPs with the occurrence and extent of OPLL were statistically evaluated.Results There was no significant association between the rs996544 (C/T) polymorphism and the prevalence of OPLL.The rs1116867 (A/G) polymorphism AG genotype was associated with the occurrence of OPLL. The rs1116867 (A/G) polymorphism G allele was associated with the occurrence of OPLL, but not with the extent of OPLL. The rs965291 (G/A) polymorphism in female patients was statistically different between cases and controls (P ＜0.05). The rs965291 (G/A) polymorphism A allele was associated with the occurrence of OPLL in female patients. For the rs965291 (G/A)polymorphism, patients with the A allele (genotype, AG or AA) showed a significantly greater number of ossified cervical vertebrae than those without the A allele (genotype, GG, P ＜0.05), particularly in female patients.Conclusions The rs1116867 (A/G) and rs965291 (G/A) polymorphisms on chromosome 20p12 are associated with the occurrence and the extent of OPLL, at least in Han Chinese subjects. Our data should advance our understanding of the molecular etiology of OPLL and may guide approaches to prevent the onset of OPLL.