Comparative Morphometry of the Sacrum and Its Clinical Implications: A Retrospective Study of Osteometry in Dry Bones and CT Scan Images in Patients Presenting With Lumbosacral Pathologies

Abstract

BackgroundMorphometric measurement of the sacrum is crucial due to its active involvement in the instrumentation for lumbar pathologies. From screw placement to stabilization procedures for the spine, the sacrum remains a site of surgical importance. Thus, the purpose of this study was to generate baseline data by comparing two techniques, namely, osteometry in dry bones and CT scan imaging. MethodologyIn this study, 30 dry, fully ossified, disarticulated sacra were studied for osteometry, and 60 CT scan reports of patients with lumbar pathologies were retrospectively evaluated. In both cases, similar parameters were measured. The mean values were determined, the two methods were compared, and statistical analysis was performed. ResultsAmong the 30 dry bone samples, 33.3% (10 out of 30) were males, while 55% of the CT scan group were males. Correlation between the different measurements in the CT scan group suggested that the vertebral body maximum width of S1 had a significant positive correlation with the vertebral body height of S1, sacral height, sacral breadth, transverse diameter of auricular surface, and vertical diameter of auricular surface. Statistically significant higher values (P < 0.001) were observed for the vertebral body mid diameter of S1, vertebral body height of S1, pedicle width, and pedicle depth measurements in the dry bone group compared to the CT scan group. ConclusionsThe efficiency of anaesthetic blocks can be increased if the parameters are evaluated beforehand. Moreover, sexual dimorphism of the bone can account for the varied results of the parameters, indicating the necessity to conduct gender-based studies in a wider population.

Os sacrum morfometrik analizi ve klinik anatomisi

“…27 In another study, the transverse and vertical diameters of the auricular surface had significant differences (p<0.001) in males and females in both osteometry and CT scans. 28 The limitations of our study were the fact that 32 dry sacrum were used in the study since partly broken, fragmented and damaged bones were not included in the study and the study was conducted with only one department. We recommend such studies to be conducted by bringing together many departments or by using more sacrum.…”

Predicting chronological age based on age‐related osteophyte development in the superior and inferior vertebral centrum margins of T12‐L5

“…The methodology in this study was developed using CT scans and 3D virtual models and translation to dry bone could be possible in forensic anthropological casework. Translation of quantitative measurements and qualitative observations of three-dimensional (3D) models derived from CT scan data is accurate [11,30]. Scan parameters and thresholding protocols were also followed for this study to produce the most accurate 3D models [26,31].…”