Denticulate ligaments

Organization and role

Their small tooth-like attachments explain the name. They lie between dorsal and ventral root attachments and provide landmarks during intradural surgery.

Clinical relevance and investigation

These attachments differ from spinal supporting ligaments such as the ligamentum flavum. Their anatomical role does not establish an indication for traction or manipulation.

Points to consider

The vertebral level and compartment should be specified. A normal fluid-filled space, a meningeal covering and a pathological collection are different concepts. Relationships to the cord and roots help explain possible symptoms.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Filum terminale — Slender fibrous strand extending downward from the conus medullaris and contributing to the lower anchoring of the spinal cord.
• Subarachnoid space — Space between the arachnoid and pia containing cerebrospinal fluid around the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Spinal pia mater — Thin vascular membrane closely attached to the spinal cord surface, forming the innermost layer of its meningeal coverings.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Central Nervous System.
2. Radiological Society of North America. RadLex Radiology Lexicon — terminology resource.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.