The Ligamentum Flavum

Abstract

Studies of the form and function of the ligamentum flavum have been made directly, by investigating the structure and indirectly, by appraising properties of analogous elastic tissue structures. The flavum is noted to retain its elastic content with age and to demonstrate shortening and thickening as a result of its elasticity when its insertion is incised. True thickening of the intact ligament was not encountered in 107 surgical dissections. The ligamentum flavum is proposed to play only a passive role in neural entrapment problems. Based on studies described, a surgical procedure is proposed in which the ligamentum flavum is retained to protect against adhesions.