1.

1 Anterior dural (Hofmann) and posterior longitudinal ligaments

The anterior dural ligaments connect the anterior dura mater to the deep layer of the posterior
longitudinal ligament (PLL), but contrary to previous reports we have shown that they are present in
the thoracic and lower cervical as well as the lumbar regions. Their orientation changes from
caudocranial (dura to PLL) at upper thoracic levels to transverse at the level of T8/9 to craniocaudal
at lower thoracic and lumbar levels, often with multiple ligaments being present at a single level.
Given their number and orientation the anterior dural ligaments are considered to have both
supportive and protective roles, acting to anchor and limit movement of the dural sac.

The general morphology of the PLL has been confirmed; however we observed that an additional
membranous structure (the superficial membrane of the PLL) was present in most specimens
examined. The PLL also attaches to a midline bony septum dividing the anterior dural space (space
between the PLL and vertebral body) into left and right parts. The separation of this space is
important clinically with respect to metastases and the spread of infection in the vertebral canal, as
well as guiding the path of bony fragments following vertebral burst fractures.