Thoracolumbar Fascia (TLF)

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Articles to read

• The thoracolumbar fascia: anatomy, function and clinical considerations¹
• Ch9 p374²

Anatomy

The TLF spans from the SP of T12 vertebrae to the PSIS and iliac crest.10 The functions of the TLF are varied

Function

“. The TLF11: ▶ provides muscle attachment for the TrA; ▶ stabilizes the spine against anterior shear and flexion moments; ▶ resists segmental flexion via tension generated by the TrA on the spinous process; ▶ assists in the transmission of extension forces during lifting activities. The posterior ligamentous system has been proposed as a model to explain some of the forces required for lifting.”

References

1.

Willard FH, Vleeming A, Schuenke MD, Danneels L, Schleip R. The thoracolumbar fascia: Anatomy, function and clinical considerations. Journal of Anatomy. 2012;221(6):507-536. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7580.2012.01511.x

2.

Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.