Ligaments

Ligaments

1. Have three important functions in the cervical spine

   • Provide stability to the joint
   • Absorb energy during trauma
   • Act as a joint position transducer during physiologic motions

2. Like muscles, prevent motion between vertebrae; contribute 20% of the stability.

3. Ligamentum flavum (LF)

   • Originates bilaterally
   • Attaches to the lamina of the superior and inferior vertebrae
   • Helps restrain hyperflexion as it is located posteriorly
   • Has elastic properties, and with age and repetitive stress, can degenerate and cause canal narrowing or cord impingement

4. Alar ligament:

   • Attaches the dens of C2 to the occipital condyles
   • Restrains rotation

5. Transverse ligament:

   • Holds the dens of C2 against the anterior ring of the atlas
   • Limits flexion and anterior displacement of the atlas