Meningovertebral ligaments could be a barrier for migration of a herniated intervertebral disc: An anatomical study

PURPOSE: Intervertebral disc degeneration can manifest as sequestration. In most cases, the material could be found ipsilateral to the annular tear; however, a contralateral migration is also possible. We present an anatomical description of anterior meningovertebral ligaments (MVLs) as a possible barrier for disc migration. METHODS: Anatomical dissection of 20 fresh human cadavers was carried out. Complete lumbar laminectomies with facetectomies were performed. All lumbar segments were exposed. Morphologic and morphometric descriptions of anterior MVLs were presented, with special attention to possible routes of herniated disc migration. RESULTS: Anterior MVLs were present in all cases. They were divided in three separate groups: medial, lateral, and attached to the nerve roots. The medial group was the thickest, its mean length was 26.2 ± 1.2 mm, and it had no attachment to the disc in 51% of cases. The lateral group was less firm than the medial group, its mean length was 26.9 ± 1.0 mm, and it had no relation with the disc in 47% of cases. Ligaments related to the nerve root were the most delicate and always attached to the intervertebral disc. Their mean length was 14.9 ± 1.8 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The medial group of anterior MVLs are strong connective tissue bands dividing the anterior epidural space. The lateral group is more delicate, and in most cases, lateral MVLs lack annular attachment. MVLs could be an anatomical barrier for disc migration in particular cases.