Which movement is limited by the interspinous ligament?

Which movement is limited by the interspinous ligament?

• A. Flexion
• B. Extension
• C. Lateral flexion
• D. Rotation

Answer: (A)

Interspinous ligaments connect adjacent spinous processes and tighten when the spine flexes forward. As you bend forward, these ligaments resist the separation of the spinous processes, limiting further flexion to protect the spinal canal and posterior elements. They’re relatively slack in extension, so they don’t restrain that motion as much. Lateral flexion is mainly limited by the intertransverse ligaments, and rotation is primarily constrained by the facet joints and their capsules. So, the movement most limited by the interspinous ligament is flexion.

Interspinous ligaments connect adjacent spinous processes and tighten when the spine flexes forward. As you bend forward, these ligaments resist the separation of the spinous processes, limiting further flexion to protect the spinal canal and posterior elements. They’re relatively slack in extension, so they don’t restrain that motion as much. Lateral flexion is mainly limited by the intertransverse ligaments, and rotation is primarily constrained by the facet joints and their capsules. So, the movement most limited by the interspinous ligament is flexion.