reparative process in response to the rupture of elastic fibers. Epidural During an epidural, the needle has to be inserted into the spinal space through a ligamentum flavum. Once it passes through, this is felt as a decrease in the pressure requited to further advance the needle. This makes the ligamentum flavum an important landmark to overcome to ensure proper needle placement. Removal During a microdiscectomy, a procedure to remove part of an intervertebral disc that is pressing on the spinal nerves, the ligamenta flava may need to be removed or reshaped. A hook can be placed underneath a ligamentum flavum to ensure it is separated from the dura mater. References External links Ligaments of the torso Bones of the vertebral column