Structure-function relationship of human spinal ligaments.

A combination of light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the morphology and ultrastructure of normal human spinal ligaments sampled from adult surgical specimens. The ligamenta flava consist mostly of dense elastic fibers, whereas the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments are preponderantly collagenous. In all ligaments, the collagen fascicles are characterized by a regular crimp structure. The inner collagen fibers of interspinous ligaments tend to be oriented parallel to the spinous processes while those of the peripheral layers run in postero-cranial direction. The presence of proteoglycan filaments is clearly demonstrated in all of the ligaments examined. They are mainly located at the d band of the collagen fibrils. These findings are discussed in relation to the function of the posterior ligamentous system. It is suggested that the interspinous ligaments are able to transmit tension from the thoracolumbar fascia to the spine. Finally, the spinal ligaments are thought to be involved in the control mechanism of the spine.