Morphometric analysis of odontoid process among Arab population: a retrospective cone beam CT study

Abstract

Objective This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to assess the odontoid process diameter in the Arab population and to determine whether one or two cortical screws can be used for treating odontoid fractures. Methods The odontoid process of 142 individuals aged 12–75 years, including 72 males (mean age: 35.5) and 70 females (mean age: 36.2), were analyzed using CBCT scans. The sagittal and coronal CBCT views were used to evaluate the antero-posterior (AP) and transverse diameters of the odontoid process. Results Males had substantially bigger transverse and AP diameters of the odontoid process than females (p < 0.05 & P < 0.01 respectively). Among the sample, 97 individuals (67.4%) had external transverse diameter (METD) of less than 9 mm which is slightly bigger than that of Indians and 48 individuals (31.83%) had enough room for two 3.5 mm or two 2.7 mm screws as their METD was more than 9 mm like that of Greek and Turkish. Age had no significant impact on the morphometric measurements of the odontoid process. Conclusion More than sixty percent of the sample had METDs of less than 9 millimeters, indicating that a single 4.5-mm Herbert screw may be suggested for fixing fractured odontoid processes in the Arab population.

Influence of skeletal classes and facial patterns on the positioning of the craniovertebral junction, dimensions of the pharyngeal airway space, and pre-vertebral soft tissue thickness: A cone beam computed tomography study

“…The odontoid process plays a significant role in this context, providing support and stability to the head, as well as allowing a wide range of movements, including rotation, at the atlantoaxial joint. This junction, composed of the Atlas (the first cervical vertebra) and the Axis, is vital for the mobility and flexibility of the neck (Uthman et al, 2023). Previously, the diagnosis of this region was conducted through two-dimensional imaging, such as teleradiographs and lateral radiographs of the cervical region (Saunders, 1943;Hinck & Hopkins, 1960).…”