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Innervation of the spondylolysis "ligament"
S M Eisenstein1, I K Ashton, S Roberts
1Centre for Spinal Studies, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire, United Kingdom.
Spine
|April 15, 1994
Summary
Nerve endings in the spondylolysis ligament may cause low back pain. This study found neuropeptides in the ligament, suggesting movement stimulates these nerves, leading to pain in adult spondylolysis patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic research
- Neuroscience
- Histology
Background:
- Spondylolysis, a childhood vertebral fracture, can cause adult low back pain.
- Pain sources in spondylolysis are multifactorial, potentially including the affected ligament.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the innervation of the ligament in spondylolysis.
- To identify potential pain mechanisms related to the spondylolysis ligament.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of ligament specimens from eight patients.
- Histological staining (H&E, toluidine blue, EVG) and neuropeptide immunostaining.
Main Results:
- Neuropeptide immunoreactivity (CGRP, NPY c-peptide, VIP) detected in the spondylolysis ligament and surrounding adipose tissue.
- Evidence of nerve presence within the ligamentous structures.
Conclusions:
- The ligament at the spondylolysis fracture site contains nerve endings.
- Ligamentous movement may stimulate these nerves, contributing to low back pain in spondylolysis.