SAGITTAL MOVEMENTS OF THE HUMAN LUMBAR VERTEBRAL COLUMN - A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF THE ROLE OF THE POSTERIOR VERTEBRAL ELEMENTS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 64  (7) , 322-325
Abstract
The influence of the posterior vertebral ligamentous and bony elements on the sagittal range of motion of the lumbar spine was investigated by observing the effects of sectioning ligaments and pedicles in 17 cadavers of both sexes with an age range from 14-78 yr. The apophyseal joints apparently provide a greater restraint to flexion and extension movements than do the lumbar ligaments. The age changes which most severely affect movement in elderly persons apparently occur in the intervertebral discs rather than in the posterior elements.