CT-anatomic correlations of the normal capsulo-ligamentous bands of the extrinsic joints of the thoracic spine.

Five anatomic specimens were studied in an attempt to visualize by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) the ligamentous bands of the costotransverse and costovertebral joints. HRCT-anatomic comparison is presented to relate the CT views to the anatomic structures. The authors demonstrate that axial, sagittal and, to a lesser extent, coronal HRCT views perfectly outline the ligamentous structures, although these are flattened, short, deep and free from calcium deposit. The method may be valuable in disease states such as ankylosing spondylitis.