Anatomic studies of the human ligamentum flavum

Lumbar segments of the vertebral column were dissected in 10 human cadavers to identify anatomic features of practical value in performance of spinal or lumbar epidural anesthesia. Of special interest were the findings that the ligamentum flavum at L2-3 is 3-5-mm thick, 12-22-mm wide, and that the internal surfaces of the right and left ligamenta flava form an acute angle with its vertex in contact with the interspinous ligament.