Morphometric analysis of thoracolumbar junction (T11-L2) in central Indian population: A computerized tomography based study of 800 vertebrae

Abstract

Objective: To determine various morphometric parameters like transverse and sagittal pedicle width; interpedicular distance; antero-posterior and transverse canal diameter and canal surface area at thoracolumbar junction (T11, T12, L1, L2) in central Indian population and compare results with similar studies available in literature. Material and methods: A prospective, computerized tomography scan based morphometric analysis of thoracolumbar junction was conducted at medical college and tertiary care centre in central India. All asymptomatic cases more than 18 years age with normal lateral radiograph and CT scan of thoracolumbar junction and free from any spinal pathology or trauma were included in the study. Parameters measured were transverse and sagittal pedicle width; interpedicular distance; antero-posterior and transverse canal diameter and canal surface area at thoracolumbar junction (T11, T12, L1, L2). Results: Mean transverse pedicle width was maximum at T11 and minimum at L1 in both males and females, whereas sagittal width was maximum at T11 and minimum at L2 in both the groups. Interpedicular distance was largest at L1 in both the groups. All the measurements were significantly different (P < 0.05) in males and females. Mean antero-posterior and transverse diameter was maximum at T12 and L2 respectively in both male and female study population. Canal surface area was maximum at L1 among males (230.10 mm 2 ) as well as females (209.02 mm 2 ). Conclusion: There is significant variation in morphometric parameters of thoracolumbar junction in different races and population. Thorough knowledge of morphometry of a particular population is essential for dealing with pathology or trauma of thoracolumbar junction.

The Level of Conus Medullaris in 629 Healthy Japanese Individuals

“…Furthermore, not only does the LL magnitude increase in cases of a larger PI but also the LL apex and inflection point are located more toward the cranial side [ 14 ]. Thus, in cases with a large PI the local lordosis around L1, where the conus medullaris is often located [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], might be greater, and the conus medullaris might be located more toward the cranial side in the twisted spinal canal. The present study did not measure local sagittal alignment around L1, and so this discussion is only speculative.…”

“…The conus medullaris is located at the terminal end of the spinal cord. The lower-most tapering extremity of the spinal cord is called the conus medullaris [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The thoracolumbar junction includes the conus medullaris and cauda equina.…”

“…Although its level varies between T12 and lower L2, it typically lies at the inferior aspect of the L1 vertebra in adults [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The level of the conus medullaris is important in spinal anesthesia and spinal surgeries.…”