The posterior longitudinal ligament
connects and stabilizes the bones of the spinal column
. It runs almost the entire length of the spine, from the 2nd vertebra in the cervical spine (neck) all the way down to the sacrum (end of the spine). The ligament is adjacent to the spinal cord.
What does the posterior longitudinal ligament do?
The posterior longitudinal ligament runs
the length of the spine and stabilizes the bones of the spinal cord
. OPLL is most common in the cervical spine.
What is the role of the ligamentum flavum?
It
resists excessive separation of the adjacent vertebral lamina and prevents buckling of the ligament into the spinal canal during extension
, preventing canal compression.
What is posterior longitudinal ligament thickening?
HPLL is defined as a pathological thickening of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL),
causing spinal cord compression
. … Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic myelography revealed extensive cord compression across the vertebral endplate level.
Does the posterior longitudinal ligament limit flexion?
The posterior longitudinal ligament runs in the spinal canal attaching to the vertebral bodies and vertebral discs and tightens with
cervical flexion
.
Why anterior longitudinal ligament is stronger than posterior?
While anteriorly the ligament is thin due to the elastic fibers, the posterior capsule of
each posterior joint is thicker due to the collagenous content
.
Is OPLL serious?
Spinal ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a
serious disorder
that causes vertebral ligament calcification and gradual growth, resulting in spinal stenosis and, in severe cases, nerve paralysis due to spinal cord compression.
What activities should be avoided with spinal stenosis?
- Avoid stretching in a standing position and extension stretches. …
- Instead, try stretching while laying down. …
- Avoid doing free weights. …
- Instead, try using a weight machine. …
- Avoid running and similar high-impact exercises. …
- Instead, try swimming, cycling, or an elliptical machine.
What movement does ligamentum flavum limit?
At each vertebral level, fibers originate from a superior lamina (the term superior refers to a location above, relatively speaking) and connect to the inferior lamina (i.e. the lamina just below). The ligamentum flavum limits
spinal flexion (bending forward), especially abrupt flexion
.
Is laminectomy the same as decompression?
Cervical laminectomy
Laminectomy is surgery that creates space by removing the lamina — the back part of a vertebra that covers your spinal canal. Also known as decompression surgery, laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
What does the posterior longitudinal ligament limit?
| Ligament Spinal Region Limits… | Posterior Longitudinal Axis – Sacrum Flexion & reinforces back of annulus fibrosis |
|---|
Where does the posterior longitudinal ligament attach?
The posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) is a long and important ligament located
immediately posterior to the vertebral bodies
(to which it attaches loosely) and intervertebral discs (to which it is firmly attached). It extends from the back of the sacrum inferiorly and gradually broadens as it ascends.
What causes ligament thickening?
Other studies support the hypothesis that a
facet degeneration
alone without disc space narrowing can lead to physiologic ligament thickening. Furthermore, thickening occurs as a result of inflammation and fibrocartilaginous transformation can cause hypertrophy of the ligament.
What Innervates the posterior longitudinal ligament?
The posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) is richly innervated by
nociceptive fibers from the ascending branch of the sinuvertebral nerve
( Figure 3). These nerves also provide sensory innervation of the adjacent outer layers of the annulus fibrosus [34]. …
Which movement does the anterior longitudinal ligament limit?
The anterior longitudinal ligament is thick and strong. It’s attached to the upper and lower edges of each vertebral body. It limits
extension of the spine
. In extension, the tightness of the anterior longitudinal ligament helps to prevent backward and forward movement of the vertebral bodies relative to each other.
How far does the anterior longitudinal ligament go?
A primary spine stabilizer about one-inch wide, the ALL runs the entire length of the spine from the base of the skull,via the cervical spine, thoracic spine and
lumbar spine to the sacrum
.
