Ligamentum flavum

Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 02.04.2023

The ligamentum flavum is located in the spine and is stretched between the vertebral arches of two adjacent vertebrae.

Anatomy

The yellowish color of the ligamentum flavum is caused by elastic fibers arranged in a lattice-like pattern, which make up most of these ligaments. These ligaments are under tension even at rest. During flexion of the spine, they are stretched further and thus help return the spine to an upright position. During posterior surgical access to the spinal canal, such as for a lumbar disc herniation or spinal canal stenosis, the ligamentum flavum is surgically opened. This procedure is known as a flavectomy.

Figure

Spinal ligaments — Schematic depiction of the spinal ligaments in a sagittal section. Figure adapted from Gray's Anatomy.

Imaging

Ligamentum flavum on MRI — Visualization of the ligamentum flavum on an axial MRI image of the lumbar spine.

Clinical relevance

Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum can lead to spinal canal stenosis.

Absolute spinal canal stenosis due to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy — Axial T2-weighted MRI showing absolute spinal canal stenosis due to hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum.

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