Ligaments of the Vertebral Column

Written and edited by leading international authorities in the field, this book provides an in-depth review of knowledge of the spinal ligaments of the vertebral column, with emphasis on main ligamentous structures that have the potential to cause illness. It includes informative chapters from leaders in the field, organized into nine main groups: (1), history, embryology, histology, neuroanatomy and imaging of the spinal ligaments; (2), ligaments of the vertebral bodies, including the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments; (3), ligaments of the vertebral arches, including the ligamentum flavum, interspinous ligaments, supraspinous ligament, nuchal ligament, intertransverse ligament and midline interlaminar ligament; (4), craniocervical ligaments, including atlanto-occiptal and atlanto-axial ligaments; (5), costovertebral ligaments, including intra-articular ligament of head of rib, radiate ligament of head of rib, and costotransverse ligament; (6), sacroiliac ligaments, including anterior, interosseous, and posterior sacroiliac ligaments and accessory ligaments (sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligament); (7), other ligaments, including anterior dural (Hofmann) ligaments, peridural membrane, and the denticulate ligaments; (8) management of common clinical problems affecting spinal ligaments, such as ossification of spinal ligaments, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, rupture of the transverse ligament of the atlas, odontoid process fracture, facet joint sprain and sacroiliitis; and (9), other issues regarding the spinal ligaments, including medicolegal problems regarding spinal ligaments. The uniqueness of this compilation lies in the fact that disruption of spinal ligaments can lead to instability that jeopardizes the spinal cord and nerve roots that have the potential to cause life-threatening illness. All these issues are adequately addressed with clinical illustrations and examples. The uniqueness of clinical manifestation caused by ligaments malfunction of the vertebral column is identified easily and provides precise management through our book. Thus, this comprehensive reference book will be an ideal source for neuroscientists including spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, neuroradiologists, physical therapists, neuroanatomists and neurologists.