Anterior longitudinal ligament
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The anterior longitudinal ligament is a ligament that extends across the anterior/ventral aspect of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs the spine.
It may be partially cut to treat certain abnormal curvatures in the vertebral column, such as kyphosis.
Anatomy
The anterior longitudinal ligament extends superoinferiorly between the basiocciput of the skull and the anterior tubercle of the atlas (cervical vertebra C1) superiorly, and the superior part of the sacrum inferiorly;[1] inferiorly, it ends at the sacral promontory.[2] It broadens inferiorly.[1] Inferiorly, it becomes continuous with the anterior sacrococcygeal ligament.[3] Superiorly, between the skull and atlas, the ligament is continuous laterally with the anterior atlantooccipital membrane.[4]
The ligament is thick and slightly more narrow over the vertebral bodies and thinner but slightly wider over the intervertebral discs.[5]
It tends to be narrower and thicker around thoracic vertebrae, and wider and thinner around cervical vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae.[5]
Structure
The anterior longitudinal ligament adheres strongly to the periosteum of the vertebral bodies, but is less strongly connected with the intervertebral discs.[1]
It has three layers: superficial, intermediate and deep. The superficial layer traverses 3 – 4 vertebrae, the intermediate layer covers 2 – 3 and the deep layer is only between individual vertebrae.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Clinical significance
The anterior longitudinal ligament may become calcified, causing back pain.[6]
Surgical release
The anterior longitudinal ligament may be "released", or partially cut, between two adjacent vertebrae.[7] This may be done to treat abnormal curvature in the vertebral column, such as kyphosis.[7] Osteoporosis, some infections, and past back surgery may prevent this surgery.[7]
Additional images
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E:Anterior longitudinal ligament
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Median sagittal section through the occipital bone and first three cervical vertebræ.
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Costovertebral articulations. Anterior view.
See also
References
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External links
- Atlas image: back_bone25 at the University of Michigan Health System - "Vertebral Column, Dissection, Anterior & Posterior Views"
- lesson7 at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)
- Diagram at spineuniverse.com
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