The cervical interspinous ligaments connect adjacent spinous processes, resisting flexion separation. In the cervical spine they are thinner and less developed than the robust lumbar interspinous ligaments. Their disruption in flexion-distraction injuries produces the fanning or widening of spinous processes visible on lateral cervical radiograph, indicating posterior ligamentous complex disruption.
| Origin | Inferior border of each cervical spinous process |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Superior border of the adjacent lower spinous process |
| Actions | Resists cervical flexion between adjacent motion segments |
|---|
Increased interspinous distance on lateral cervical radiograph after flexion injury suggests posterior ligamentous complex disruption. MRI signal in the interspinous space confirms the tear. Isolated interspinous ligament injuries without facet disruption may be managed with a collar; combined injuries require surgical stabilisation.
Cervical interspinous widening from flexion-distraction injury indicating PLC disruption managed with posterior stabilisation.
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