Fig. 2
From: MDCT of acute subaxial cervical spine trauma: a mechanism-based approach
Colour-coded schematic shows disco-ligamentous complex and spinal motion segment. a Spinal motion segment consists of two adjacent vertebrae connected together by the joints and ligaments. Ligamentous restrainers from anterior to posterior include: anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL), intervertebral disc, posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), ligamentum flava (LF), interspinous (IS) and supraspinous (SS) ligaments. Intervertebral disc, facet and uncovertebral joints stabilise the motion segment. b Axial CT image shows the stabilising ligaments, ALL and PLL, the facet and the uncovertebral joints. Uncinate processes (black arrows) are in symmetrical, concentric relationship at the posterolateral aspect of the cranial vertebra. The facet joint on axial image resembles a “hamburger bun” with the flat surface articulating