Vertebral ligaments

Common factors that influence segmental motion inclnde the design and spatial relationships of the individual facets the vertebral ligamentous and muscular attachments and their function the size and health of the intervertebral... 

The epidural space surrounds the dura mater of the spinal cord. It is bounded by the pedicles of the vertebral arches and by the anterior and posterior ligaments connecting the bony vertebral column. The epidural space contains nerve roots, fat, and blood vessels. 

Extracellular matrices (ECM) are the primary structural materials found in connective tissue in vertebrates that serve to maintain tissue shape (skin), aid in locomotion (bone), transmit and absorb mechanical loads (tendon and ligament), prevent premature mechanical failure (tendon, ligament, skin, and blood vessel wall), partition cells and tissues into functional units (fascia), act as scaffolds that define tissue and organ architecture (organ parenchyma), act as storage devices for elastic energy (tendon and blood vessel wall), and as the substrate for cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation of a variety of cell types. 

Ankylosing spondylitis particularly affects the iliosacral and vertebral joints which eventually become fused. Due to ossiflcation of ligaments connecting the vertebrae, the spinal column becomes curved and rotational motion is restricted. Extra-articular involvement includes conjunctivitis, psoriatic inflammation of the skin and nails and lung fibrosis. 

In common with other fluorides, inhalation or ingestion of hydrofluoric acid may cause fluorosis. The s)unptoms of this condition are weight loss, malaise, anaemia, leucopoenia, discolouration of the teeth and osteosclerosis. It is the latter complication that is the major concern. Fluorine compounds are preferentially retained within the bone. Chronic intake may cause skeletal abnormalities characterised by slow progressive new bone formation usually beginning in the lumbar spine and pelvis. This is the rationale behind health screening via X-ray examination of (male) workers potentially exposed to fluorides. As the period of exposure continues, pain in the joints becomes more intense and movement of the vertebral column and lower limbs becomes more restricted. Calcification (ossification) of ligaments and joints may... 

Fig. 3. Distribution of the forces in the motion segment L5/S1 Tensional stress of the anterior longitudinal ligament and pressure on the vertebral joint (based on Putz 1990)...

Subluxation of C2 over C3 is associated with inter-vertebral disc injury and also injury to the posterior ligaments and muscles. 

Hangman s fracture involves a characteristic combination of bone and soft tissue injuries. The soft tissue component includes a tear of the anterior longitudinal ligament and avulsion of the C2/C3 inter vertebral disc from the adjoining endplates. 

Extension traction on the intervertebral disc can result in anterior separation of the annulus fibrosis from the vertebral endplate and is associated with rupture of the anterior longitudinal ligament. With axial loading the disc material can herniated through the endplates in older children resulting in acute Schmorl s node lesions. 

Fig. 20.10. Classification of growth plate injuries. Type 1 There is complete separation of the physis from the underlying vertebral body. Associated tears of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) and posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) result in vertebral displacement. The intervertebral disc is intact in this type of injury. Type 11 There is incomplete separation of the physis along with a corner fiake of the vertebral body. The intervertebral disc is intact. Type III This injury is a combination of physeal and intervertebral disc injury. In Type lllA, the PLL is torn but the ALL is preserved. In Type IIIB, the ALL is torn but the PLL is intact. Type IV There is a fracture of the vertebral body that traverses the physis and the intervertebral disc...

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