Résumé
Lower cervical spine stabilization necessitates precise knowledge of different osseous morphometric measures of the cervical vertebrae for accurate and safe application of fixation devices. Human cadaveric studies revealed significant variability world wide raising the issue of possible differences among races. This study was conducted on 28 osseous cadaveric models to obtain morphometric measurements among Egyptians. For posterior measures, 1.6 mm Kirschner wires were inserted in the cervical pedicles and lateral masses bilaterally to assess different linear and angular measurements. Linear measurements of the vertebral body were also assessed and presented. All result was correlated with their surgical importance for both posterior and anterior lower cervical spine surgery. The results of this study revealed morphometric differences between Egyptians and other races. Although most of these differences are not statistically significant, yet it raises the necessity of extreme accuracy that should be considered in insertion of posterior cervical pedicle and lateral mass screws concerning, the point of insertion, length, diameter, sagittal and transverse angles in and offsets. For anterior surgery, the transverse, sagittal and vertical measurements of the vertebral body should be precisely assessed for safe and adequate decompression as well as defining the ideal lengths of screws for anterior plating of the lower cervical spine