Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Question 1

Newer research suggests what reginal variation in the posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 1

prominent in the cervicals, occasional in the thoracics, rare in the lumbars

Question 2

What is the relationship of the posterior longitudinal ligament to the vertebral foramen?

Answer 2

it forms the anterior boundary of the spinal canal

Question 3

What is the appearance of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the lumbar spine?

Answer 3

it is hourglass shaped along its lateral margins

Question 4

What is the innermost layer of the posterior longitudinal ligament called?

Answer 4

the perivertebral ligament

Question 5

What is the function of the posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 5

it brakes or limits flexion of the vertebral column

Question 6

Where is ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament most commonly identified?

Answer 6

the cervical spine with an 80% incidence

Question 7

What is the clinical sign of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification in the cervical spine?

Answer 7

a loss of hand and finger dexterity

Question 8

What is the clinical sign of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification in the lumbar spine?

Answer 8

faltering gait

Question 9

What is the gender, age, and ethnic bias associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 9

it is greater in males over 50 and has a higher incidence in the Japanese