Fig. 3From: MDCT of acute subaxial cervical spine trauma: a mechanism-based approachThe “two vertical column” concept of spine biomechanics and stability. In the two-column concept, the anterior column constitutes the ALL, vertebral body, intervertebral disc and PLL. The posterior column constitutes bony neural arch and posterior ligamentous complex (PLC). Load bearing anterior column resists compression forces. The posterior ligamentous complex including facet joints forms the principle tension band and resists distraction forcesBack to article page