A Study on Anterior Longitudinal Ligament Ossification in Vertebral Spine in Southern Tamil Nadu Population– Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Dissecting the vertebral column and studying the features of individual vertebrae is an integral part of the curriculum in anatomy. The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae which are stacked one upon the other and joined to each other by the intervertebral joints and kept in a position of by various ligaments, chief of which includes anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. Disease processes involving these ligaments leads to various spectrums of aliments extending from backache to deformities and nerve entrapments. Aims and Objectives: To study the Anterior and Posterior longitudinal ligament and note the incidence of different types of ossification and the other associated features in various levels of the vertebral column. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 25 disarticulated sets of bones and 30 cadavers used in dissection at GMC and ESICH, CBE. Results: It was observed that out of 25 dry sets of vertebrae examined, only 5 sets showed evidence of ossified ligaments at various levels. While no ossification of ligaments was observed in cadaveric specimens. Conclusion: Ossification of Anterior ligaments of the spine is rare. If the present cause should be identified and corrected to improve, preserve flexibility, prevent the development of deformities and neurological deficits.