Posterior Cervical Fascia Raphe

raphe fasciae cervicalis posterioris

This midline fibrous band at the back of the neck is the ligamentum nuchae. It runs from the external occipital protuberance to the spinous process of C7 and forms a septum between the muscles of the two sides. Trapezius, splenius capitis, rhomboid minor and serratus posterior superior attach to it.

Anatomical Data

Attachments

Origin	External occipital protuberance and the median nuchal line
Insertion	Spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae, ending at C7

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Forms a midline septum between the muscles of both sides of the back of the neck and gives attachment to trapezius, splenius capitis, rhomboid minor and serratus posterior superior

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The posterior cervical raphe is the midline landmark incised during posterior cervical laminoplasty and laminectomy. Preservation of this structure during wound closure reduces post-operative muscle wasting and kyphotic collapse. The raphe is the location of posterior cervical ligament tears in whiplash injury. In posterior cervical fusion, strong midline anchorage to the raphe improves the muscle closure quality.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Posterior Cervical Ligament Tear

Disruption of the posterior cervical midline raphe and attached ligamentous structures in severe hyperflexion injury, contributing to cervical instability and post-whiplash chronic neck pain.

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