title: The Epidural Ligaments (of Hofmann): A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.
abstract: The epidural space contains the internal vertebral venous plexus, adipose, and other connective tissues. In the anatomical literature, there are nonspecific descriptions of varying fibrous connective tissue bands in the epidural space, mainly mentioned in the lumbar region, that tether the dural sac to the posterior longitudinal ligament, the vertebral canal, and the ligamentum flavum. These ligaments have been termed as Hofmann's ligaments. This review expands on the anatomy and function of Hofmann's ligaments, increasing the awareness of their presence and serves as an impetus for further study of their histology, innervation, and function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, St. George's University.
authors.forename: Gabrielle G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Tardieu
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Surgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute ; Department of Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fisahn
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, St. George's University.
authors.forename: Marios
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Loukas
authors.affiliation: Seattle Science Foundation ; Neurological Surgery, Wayne State University.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moisi
authors.affiliation: Orthopedics Spine Surgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Complex Spine, Swedish Neuroscience Institute.
authors.forename: Rod J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Oskouian
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Seattle Science Foundation.
authors.forename: R Shane
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Tubbs
keywords: anatomy; dura mater; epidural ligaments; extradural; spine