Morphometric Analysis of the Pedicle of Lumbar Vertebrae Based on Radiologic Images in Koreans / 체질인류학회지

ABSTRACT

The vertebral pedicle is an important structure used as an implant site for spinal instrumentation surgery. Since precise anatomical knowledge of lumbar pedicles in vivo is essential for risk - free surgery, we analyzed Korean vertebrae with radiologic imaging techniques. The authors analayzed 500 pedicles from L1 to L5 vertebrae with computerized tomograms (CT) and simple radiograms taken from patient free of vertebral abnormality. Five morphometric parameters transverse pedicle width, transverse pedicle angle, sagittal pedicle width, sagittal pedicle angle depth to anterior cortex were measured. The transverse diameter and angle of pedicle increased gradually from L1 to L5, while the sagittal diameter and angle decreased from L1 to L5. The depth to anterior cortex from posterior elements was longer along the pedicle axis than along axis parallel to midline.