Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

Question 1

What vertebral levels will the anterior longitudinal ligament attach too?

Answer 1

those between occiput and S3 inclusive are traditionally indicated

Question 2

What is the lowest extent of the ALL based on recent studies?

Answer 2

L3

Question 3

What is believed to form the ALL in the lumbar spine?

Answer 3

the tendon of the dura of the diaphragm

Question 4

What innervates the ALL?

Answer 4

the anterior neural plexus formed by fibers from the ventral primary rams and sympathetic postganglionic fibers from the paravertebral ganglia

Question 5

What is the function of the ALL?

Answer 5

it brakes or limits dorsi-flexion or hyperextension of the vertebral column

Question 6

What was ossification of the ALL in the lumbar spine identified as?

Answer 6

Forestier’s Disease

Question 7

What is ossification of the ALL in the lumbar spine NOW identified as?

Answer 7

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis or DISH