Anatomy of the iliolumbar ligament

Information is lacking in the literature on the precise anatomy of the ilio lumbar ligament and its individual differences. The morphologic pattern, le ngth, and width of the iliolumbar ligament were determined in 56 embalmed l umbosacral spines from human cadavers. It was possible to classify the ilio lumbar ligament into two groups: Type A (74 ligaments), in which anterior a nd posterior ligaments had separate courses; and Type B (32 ligaments), in which anterior and posterior ligaments moved together as one band. The angl e of the posterior iliolumbar ligament in Type A was oriented significantly more posteriorly than that in Type B. The posterior iliolumbar ligament wa s significantly shorter and oriented more posteriorly in male anatomic spec imens than in female ones.