The costotransverse ligaments in human: a detailed anatomical study

This study provides a more detailed description of the costotransverse ligaments in human, aimed at investigating some controversial data and disclosing some lacking information concerning the anatomy of such ligaments. Complete spinal segments from the seventh cervical to the first lumbar vertebra were removed from 15 human cadavers (8 males, 7 females) with a mean age of 55 years. The costotransverse ligaments were exposed, bilaterally, at each vertebral level, using a posterior and an anterior approach to the spine. The lateral costotransverse, the superior costotransverse, and the costotransverse ligaments were identified and described. A rudimentary superior costotransverse ligament related to the first rib was also identified. In addition, two thick ligamentous bands were clearly observed in all dissected specimens and were referred to in the study as inferior and posterior costotransverse ligaments. Both bands were subjected to a detailed anatomical study. The importance of such ligaments in maintaining stability of the spine was also discussed.