Supraspinous ligament

The supraspinous ligament (also known as the supraspinal ligament) is a ligament extending across the tips of the spinous processes of the vertebra of the vertebral column.

Supraspinous ligament
Median sagittal section of two lumbar vertebræ and their ligaments.
Posterior view of muscles connecting the upper extremity to the vertebral column. Nuchal ligament labeled in red at center.
Details
From	Spinous process of C7
To	Sacrum
Identifiers
Latin	ligamentum supraspinale
TA98	A03.2.01.005
TA2	1677
FMA	13425
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Anatomy

The supraspinous ligament connects the tips of the spinous processes from the seventh cervical vertebra to the sacrum.^[1] Superior to the 7th cervical vertebra, the supraspinous ligament is continuous with the nuchal ligament.^[2]: 45 It is thicker and broader in the lumbar region than in the thoracic region, and intimately blended with the neighboring fascia in both these regions.^[3] Inferior to L4, the supraspinous ligament becomes indistinct, lost amid the prominent lumbar fascia.^[4]

J: Supraspinous ligament

Between the spinous processes, the supraspinous ligament is continuous with the interspinous ligaments.^[3]

Structure

The most superficial fibers of this ligament extend across 3-4 vertebrae, deeper fibres extend across 2-3 vertebrae, while the deepest connect the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.^[3]

Function

The supraspinous ligament becomes taut when the spine is fully flexed.^[4] The supraspinous ligament, along with the posterior longitudinal ligament, interspinous ligaments and ligamentum flavum, help to limit hyperflexion of the vertebral column.

Clinical significance

Lesions to the supraspinous ligament may result in palpable thickening.^[5] Ultrasound is effective for detecting lesions.^[5][6] A strain injury can also damage the supraspinous ligament.^[7]

The supraspinous ligament creates resistance during midline epidural anaesthetics when the needle is being inserted. This increased resistance needs to be taken into account, and is one of the first subcutaneous tissues.^[8]

See also

This article uses anatomical terminology.

References

1. Salinas, Francis (2005-01-01), Benzon, Honorio T.; Raja, Srinivasa N.; Molloy, Robert E.; Liu, Spencer S. (eds.), "Chapter 68 - Spinal Anesthesia", Essentials of Pain Medicine and Regional Anesthesia (Second Edition), Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone, pp. 566–574, doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06651-1.50072-1, ISBN 978-0-443-06651-1, retrieved 2020-11-03
2. Drake, Richard L.; Vogl, Wayne; Tibbitts, Adam W.M. Mitchell; illustrations by Richard; Richardson, Paul (2005). Gray's anatomy for students (Pbk. ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0-443-06612-2.
3. Gray, Henry (1918). Gray's Anatomy (20th ed.). p. 290.
4. Sinnatamby, Chummy (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). Elsevier Australia. p. 424. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
5. Denoix, Jean-Marie; Dyson, Sue J. (2011-01-01), Ross, Mike W.; Dyson, Sue J. (eds.), "Chapter 52 - Thoracolumbar Spine", Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse (Second Edition), Saint Louis: W.B. Saunders, pp. 592–605, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-6069-7.00052-3, ISBN 978-1-4160-6069-7, retrieved 2020-11-03
6. Wilson, David A., ed. (2012-01-01), "Back Pain (Thoracolumbar Dysfunction)", Clinical Veterinary Advisor, Saint Louis: W.B. Saunders, pp. 61–63, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-9979-6.00039-8, ISBN 978-1-4160-9979-6, retrieved 2020-11-03
7. Weaver, Martin P. (2012-01-01), Mair, Tim S; Love, Sandy; Schumacher, Jim; Smith, Roger KW (eds.), "Chapter 18 - Orthopaedics 4. The back and pelvis", Equine Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction (Second Edition), Oxford: W.B. Saunders, pp. 389–397, doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-2801-4.00018-3, ISBN 978-0-7020-2801-4, retrieved 2020-11-03
8. Kim, Kyung-Hoon; Kwon, Jae-Young (2010-01-01), Kim, Daniel H.; Kim, Yong-Chul; Kim, Kyung-Hoon (eds.), "Chapter 5 - Epidural Blocks", Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Spinal Techniques, New York: W.B. Saunders, pp. 111–123, doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-2913-4.00005-7, ISBN 978-0-7020-2913-4, retrieved 2020-11-03