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Intertransverse ligament

The intertransverse ligaments are fibrous bands that connect the adjacent transverse processes of vertebrae along the vertebral column. They are part of the posterior ligamentous complex of the spine, which also includes the supraspinous, interspinous, and ligamentum flavum ligaments.

These ligaments vary in structure along the spine:

  • In the cervical region, they are relatively small and often replaced by intertransverse muscles.

  • In the thoracic region, they are more rounded and well-developed, resisting lateral bending.

  • In the lumbar region, they are thin and membranous, contributing to spinal stability but less robust than in the thoracic spine.

The intertransverse ligaments function primarily to limit lateral flexion (side-bending) of the vertebral column, stabilize motion segments, and provide resistance to excessive spinal movement. They also act in coordination with muscles and other spinal ligaments to maintain posture and protect the spinal cord from abnormal motion.

Clinically, the intertransverse ligaments are important in spinal trauma (ligamentous injury in fractures, dislocations), degenerative disease, and scoliosis. Injury to these ligaments is often part of posterior ligamentous complex disruption, a marker of spinal instability.

Synonyms

  • Ligamenta intertransversaria

  • Lateral vertebral ligaments

  • Transverse process connecting ligaments

Function

  • Connect adjacent transverse processes

  • Limit lateral flexion of the vertebral column

  • Contribute to posterior ligamentous complex stability

  • Work in concert with intertransverse muscles and other spinal ligaments to maintain posture

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Ligaments appear as low signal intensity bands connecting transverse processes

  • Surrounding fat planes provide contrast for visualization

T2-weighted images:

  • Normal ligaments: low signal intensity

  • Tears, edema, or degeneration appear hyperintense within or adjacent to the ligament

STIR:

  • Fat suppression improves detection of ligamentous injury, edema, or inflammation

  • Hyperintense signal indicates acute strain, trauma, or inflammatory disease

T1 Post-Gadolinium (Gd-enhanced MRI):

  • Normal ligaments show little or no enhancement

  • Abnormal enhancement may indicate inflammation, scar tissue, or neoplastic involvement

MRI Non-Contrast 3D Imaging:

  • Demonstrates the spatial relationship of intertransverse ligaments to adjacent vertebrae

  • Useful in assessing spinal stability and ligamentous integrity

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Ligaments appear as thin, soft-tissue density bands between transverse processes

  • Indirect signs of injury include widening of the intertransverse space or associated transverse process fractures

CT Post-Contrast:

  • Not routinely used for ligament imaging, but may highlight adjacent soft tissue changes in trauma or infection

  • Helpful for evaluating associated bony injuries or degenerative changes

MRI images

Intertransverse ligament mri coronal image -img-00000-00000

MRI images

Intertransverse ligament mri axial image -img-00000-00000

CT image

Intertransverse ligament ct sagittal image -img-00000-00000

CT image

Intertransverse ligament ct axial image

MRI image

Intertransverse Ligament