Posterior ligamentous complex
Updates to Article Attributes
The posterior ligamentous complex acts to stabilise the vertebral column against flexion and rotation by holding the posterior elements of the neighbouring vertebrae in fixed relation with each other. It is sometimes referred to as the posterior tension band although the latter also includes the bony posterior vertebral elements.
The posterior ligamentous complex comprises the following structures 3:
Some sources also include the cervical or thoracolumbar fascia 2,4.
Related pathology
See the separate article on posterior ligamentous complex injury. The importance of the posterior ligamentous complex/posterior tension band is highlighted in the most commonly used spinal fracture classifications systems: AO classification of subaxial cervical injuries, AO classification of thoracolumbar injuries, and the thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS).
-</ul><p>Some sources also include the cervical or thoracolumbar fascia <sup>2,4</sup>.</p><h4>Related pathology</h4><p>See the separate article on <a title="Posterior ligamentous complex injury" href="/articles/posterior-ligamentous-complex-injury">posterior ligamentous complex injury</a>. The importance of the posterior ligamentous complex/posterior tension band is highlighted in the most commonly used spinal fracture classifications systems: <a href="/articles/ao-spine-classification-of-subaxial-injuries">AO classification of subaxial cervical injuries</a>, <a href="/articles/ao-spine-classification-of-thoracolumbar-injuries-1">AO classification of thoracolumbar injuries</a>, and the <a href="/articles/thoracolumbar-injury-classification-and-severity-score-tlics-1">thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS)</a>.</p>- +</ul><p>Some sources also include the cervical or thoracolumbar fascia <sup>2,4</sup>.</p><h4>Related pathology</h4><p>See the separate article on <a href="/articles/posterior-ligamentous-complex-injury">posterior ligamentous complex injury</a>. The importance of the posterior ligamentous complex/posterior tension band is highlighted in the most commonly used spinal fracture classifications systems: <a href="/articles/ao-spine-classification-of-subaxial-injuries">AO classification of subaxial cervical injuries</a>, <a href="/articles/ao-spine-classification-of-thoracolumbar-injuries-1">AO classification of thoracolumbar injuries</a>, and the <a href="/articles/thoracolumbar-injury-classification-and-severity-score-tlics-1">thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS)</a>.</p>