The anterior dural (Hofmann) ligaments.

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Spinal cord research
• Ligament morphology

Background:

• The attachment of spinal ligaments to the dura mater is not well understood.
• Anterior dural ligaments connect the dura to the posterior longitudinal ligament, primarily observed in the lumbar region.
• These ligaments are thought to support and protect the spinal cord.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morphology and morphometry of anterior dural (Hofmann) ligaments.
• To determine the anatomical distribution and characteristics of these ligaments.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of 18 embalmed cadavers (7 male, 11 female; mean age 84 years).
• Exposure of the dural sac and documentation of ligament extent, orientation, length, and vertebral levels.
• Analysis of ligamentous structures connecting the dura mater to the posterior longitudinal ligament.

Main Results:

• Hofmann ligaments were found from C7 to L5, with varying orientations (caudocranial, transverse, craniocaudal) along the thoracic and lumbar spine.
• Ligament length ranged from 0.5 to 28.8 mm, correlating positively with vertebral level and negatively with orientation.
• Multiple ligaments were often present at a single vertebral level.

Conclusions:

• Anterior dural (Hofmann) ligaments are present throughout a significant portion of the human spine (C7-L5).
• Ligament orientation exhibits regional variation, suggesting complex biomechanical roles.
• While often segmentally limited, some ligaments span multiple vertebral segments.