Anterior longitudinal ligament


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;' inferiorly, it ends at the sacral promontory. It broadens inferiorly.' Inferiorly, it becomes continuous with the anterior [sacrococcygeal ligament]. Superiorly, between the skull and atlas, the ligament is continuous laterally with the anterior atlantooccipital membrane.
The ligament is thick and slightly more narrow over the vertebral bodies and thinner but slightly wider over the intervertebral discs.
It tends to be narrower and thicker around thoracic vertebrae, and wider and thinner around cervical vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae.

Structure

The anterior longitudinal ligament adheres strongly to the periosteum of the vertebral bodies, but is less strongly connected with the intervertebral discs.
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.

Clinical significance

The anterior longitudinal ligament may become calcified, causing back pain.

Surgical release

The anterior longitudinal ligament may be "released", or partially cut, between two adjacent vertebrae. This may be done to treat abnormal curvature in the vertebral column, such as kyphosis. Osteoporosis, some infections, and past back surgery may prevent this surgery.

Additional images