Health, During a lumbar disc surgery, the most important structure, the ligament flavum, is removed.

The removal of the ligament flavum causes the lower back to become unstable and wobble.

 

The ligament flavum in the lower back is an important structure in the spine that plays a key role in our body's stability and movement.

The ligament flavum is located at the back of the spine and connects the discs (intervertebral discs) and vertebrae (spinal bones). It connects the vertebrae of the upper and lower parts of the spine, helping to maintain the stability of the lower back. The ligament flavum is made of thick elastin fibers, which make it very flexible and strong. These elastin fibers allow the ligament flavum to stretch, supporting the spine's natural curves. In other words, when the spine bends, the ligament flavum stretches, and it helps the spine return to its original position.

1. Main Functions of the Ligament flavum

   1.1 Providing Stability to the Spine

The ligament flavum is one of the key structures of the spine and helps maintain its stability. It prevents the spine from bending too far backward or moving excessively, helping to keep the spine aligned. This function is especially important in the lower back and neck.

   1.2 Limiting Spine Movement

The ligament flavum also prevents the spine from moving too much. By maintaining the right strength and flexibility, the ligament limits excessive bending or straightening of the spine, preventing injury caused by too much movement.

   1.3 Restoring the Spine’s Natural Position

The ligament flavum helps the spine return to its natural position after it has been bent. When the spine bends too much, this ligament flavum provides the force needed to return the spine to its original state. This process helps maintain the spine's natural curves and supports the body's center of gravity.

   1.4 Absorbing Shock

The ligament flavum helps absorb external shocks and pressure on the spine. It protects the spine by spreading out excessive pressure on the vertebrae and discs. If the ligament flavum is not healthy or gets damaged, it can’t absorb these shocks properly, which could lead to disc problems or nerve compression.

2. Location of the Ligament flavum

As shown in the diagram below, the ligament flavum is located at the back of the spine, connecting the discs (intervertebral discs) and vertebrae. The diagram shows a view from behind the body. The ligament flavum is inside the vertebrae, and the second diagram shows a cross-sectional view. The ligament flavum is located very close to the discs. Therefore, if surgery is needed for a disc rupture, a cut is made at the back, part of the vertebrae is removed, and the ligament flavum is taken out. Then the nerves become visible, and the surgeon can reach the disc. So, in order to remove a ruptured disc, all obstacles along the way need to be cleared.

Figure 1: ligament flavum

Figure 2:  MRI Section

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 3: Location of the Ligament flavum in an MRI Image

 

 

3. Problems Caused by Removing the Ligament flavum

The ligament flavum plays an important role in connecting each vertebra (spinal bone) to the vertebrae above and below it, providing stability to the lower back.

As shown in the picture below (4), the ligament flavum is made up of strong elastin fibers.

Once the ligament flavum is removed through surgery, it cannot heal or grow back. This means that the stability it provides to the lower back will be lost. Without the ligament flavum, the back becomes unstable and can sway back and forth. Standing still becomes very wobbly and unsafe, and in severe cases, the back can bend too much forward or backward.

Figure 4: The Ligament flavum Made of Strong Elastin Fibers

4. Conclusion

If the ligament flavum is removed due to a herniated disc, life can become very difficult.

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