Morphologic and histologic study of the ligamentum flavum in the thoraco-lumbar region

Abstract

The ligamentum flavum, of which there are only a few studies in the literature, has several features discussed in this work. On the macroscopic level, it has a metameric arrangement: it has two layers, superficial and deep, whose fibers are opposite, and it has close relations with the tendons of attachment of some spinal erector muscles. On the microscopic level, its structure is unique for a ligament, because of a predominance of elastic fibers, because of its intrinsic innervation at each level of the spine, and because this innervation grows poorer with increasing degeneration. The ligamentum flavum constitutes an active ligament, with an essential biomechanical role. Its injury is probably not without consequences, and therefore there are many technical problems about the surgical interlaminar approach.

The narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal during loaded MRI: the effects of the disc and ligamentum flavum

“…It is among others more elastic than any other ligament in the body [15]. In spinal stenosis, however, the ligament degenerates and loses elasticity [8,18].…”

Pseudocystic Degeneration of the Lumbar Ligamentum Flavum

“…2 It has a close relationship to the insertion of some spinal erector muscles and to the joint capsules of the intervertebral joints. 1 Its normal thickness ranges from 3 to up to 10 mm. Any thickening of the ligamentum flavum can result in a narrowing of the spinal canal, either centrally or laterally within the foramina, and can cause radiculopathy, myelopathy, or even a cauda equina syndrome, depending on its level and extent.…”

“…It connects the adjacent vertebral laminae and consists of a deep and a superficial layer. 1 Its dorsal parts meet the ventral part of the ligamentum interspinosum where venous anastomoses are localized. 2 It has a close relationship to the insertion of some spinal erector muscles and to the joint capsules of the intervertebral joints.…”

Basic Science Research Related to Chiropractic Spinal Adjusting: The State of the Art and Recommendations Revisited

“…26 Recent work has also been done assessing the structure of spinal ligaments. The attachment sites and dimensions of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments 27,28 and the innervation and gross and light microscopic structure of the ligamenta flava 29,30 and iliolumbar ligaments 31 have been studied in detail.…”