Quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of lumbar vertebrae in Singaporean Asians

Abstract

This paper details the quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of lumbar vertebrae L1-L5 from Asian (Singaporean) subjects based on 60 lumbar vertebrae from 12 cadavers. The purpose of the study was to measure the dimensions of the various parameters of the lumbar vertebrae and thereafter to compare the data with a study performed on Caucasian specimens. Measurements were taken with the aid of a three-dimensional digitiser. The means and standard errors for linear, angular and area dimensions of the vertebral body, spinal canal, pedicle, and spinous and transverse processes were obtained for each lumbar vertebra. From this comparison, it was found that the dimensions of the vertebral body of the Asian subjects are slightly larger, with a maximum average difference of 8% for the posterior vertebral body height. The dimensions of the spinal canal, pedicle, and spinous and transverse processes of Asian subjects are smaller. The greatest difference can be found in the spinal canal area and pedicle width, which are smaller by an average of 30% and 20%, respectively. With the exception of the spinal canal depth, spinal canal area and pedicle width, all other parameters compared show a similar trend. The findings can provide more accurate modelling for analysis and spinal implant design and also allow more precise clinical diagnosis in sub-Asian groups.

Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Pedicle Dimension and Lumbar Spinal Canal

“…17 Studying the diameter and morphology of pedicle is important in several fields including better knowledge of the anatomy 1,6,7,11,18,19 and pedicle orientation, 1,3 which are essential to minimize neurologic complications. In addition, these studies help to better understand the spinal kinematics and mechanisms of injury to the spinal column, 8 which provide important data for the designers of these instruments and guide surgeons who use the instruments. 10,17 In the lumbar area, detailed anatomical knowledge is critical for performing a safe operation.…”

“…[5][6][7] These data also provide the anatomy of the vertebral column with the necessary information to assess the pedicles. [8][9][10] It is believed that race has an impact on the physical properties of lumbar vertebral column including mean canal diameters, the size of vertebral body, morphometry, and the size of the pedicles. 9,11 It is also different among different populations.…”

Are Spinal or Paraspinal Anatomic Markers Helpful for Vertebral Numbering and Diagnosing Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae?

“…There are only a few studies which regard the quantitative anatomy of the lumbar SP (18, 19). In our study, we had similar findings with reported studies which claimed that L3 had the longest SP in most of the patients from the study groups.…”

Effect of Facetectomy on Lumbar Spinal Stability Under Sagittal Plane Loadings

“…The same specimen was also used in the morphology study conducted by Tan et al 16 and found to be in approximately 50 th percentile of the samples. The cadaver was inspected to be free from spinal disease, metastasis and trauma.…”