What is the classification of the posterior longitudinal ligament-vertebral body joint?
fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis
What vertebral levels will the posterior longitudinal ligament attach to?
those between C2 and S3 inclusive
What are the specific bony attachment sites for the posterior longitudinal ligament?
- the posterior inferior epiphyseal rim of vertebral body C2
- the posterior superior epiphyseal rim and posterior inferior epiphyseal rim of each vertebral body C3-S2
- the posterior superior epiphyseal rim of the S3 vertebral body
What will the posterior longitudinal ligament attach to in addition to vertebral bodies?
the intervertebral disc
Newer research suggests what regional variation in the posterior longitudinal ligament?
prominent in the cervicals, occasional in the thoracics, rare in the lumbars
What is the relationship of the posterior longitudinal ligament to the vertebral foramen?
if forms the anterior boundary of the spinal canal
What is the extent of the posterior longitudinal ligament attachment laterally?
it is not firmly attached to the intervertebral disc, making the area susceptible to herniation or protrusion
What is the appearance of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine?
it is parallel along its lateral margins
What is the appearance of the posterior longitudinal ligament along the thoracic spine?
- it is parallel along its lateral margins in the upper thoracic spine
- hourglass shaped in the lower thoracic spine
What is the appearance of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the lumbar spine?
it is hourglass shaped along its lateral margins
What is the innermost layer of the posterior longitudinal ligament called?
the perivertebral ligament
What innervates the posterior longitudinal ligament?
the posterior neural plexus formed by fibers from the recurrent meningeal nerve/sinus vertebral nerve/sinu-vertebral nerve
What is the function of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
it brakes or limits flexion of the vertebral column
Where is ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament most commonly identified?
the cervical spine with an 80% incidence
What is the clinical sign of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification in the cervical spine?
a loss of hand and finger dexterity
What is the incidence of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification in the thoracic and lumbar spine?
- thoracic: about 10%
- lumbar: about 10%
What is the clinical sign of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification in the lumbar spine?
faltering gait
What is the gender, age, and ethnic bias associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
it is greater in males over 50 and has a higher incidence in the Japanese
What is the acronym for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
OPLL
At one time ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was an example of what condition?
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)