Quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of cervical , thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of Chinese Singaporeans

Abstract

This paper details the quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae (C3-T12) of Chinese Singaporean subjects based on 220 vertebrae from 10 cadavers. The purpose of the study was to measure the linear dimensions, angulations and areas of individual vertebra, and to compare the data with similar studies 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 vertebra. Compared to the Caucasian data, all the dimensions were found to be smaller. Of significance were the spinal canal area, and pedicle width and length, which were smaller by 31.7%, 25.7% and 22.1% on average, respectively. A slight divergence, instead of convergence, was found from T8 to T12. According to the findings, the use of a transpedicle screw may not be feasible. The results can also provide more accurate modelling for analysis and design of spinal implants and instrumentations, and also allow more precise clinical diagnosis and management of the spine in Chinese Singaporeans.

Safety of thoracic pedicle screw application using the funnel technique in Asians: a cadaveric evaluation

“…Significant differences exist between the morphometric values of the thoracic pedicle in the Western and the Asian population [12,17,18,20,25]. This has been clearly shown in previous published anatomical studies.…”

“…This has been clearly shown in previous published anatomical studies. Asian thoracic pedicles were quoted to be on average 30% smaller than the pedicles in the Western community [18]. The effect of smaller pedicles on the safety profile of thoracic pedicle screw insertion has not been investigated in the cadaveric model.…”

“…Despite earlier concerns regarding the safety of thoracic pedicle screws insertion, introduction of newer techniques has lowered pedicle perforation rates [2,15]. However, there is great variability when comparing the morphometric parameters of the thoracic pedicle in the Western population to those in the Asian population as proven in previous anatomical studies [12,17,18,20,25]. Therefore, the feasibility of thoracic pedicle screw insertion in Asians has not been fully elucidated yet.…”

3D Morphometric Analysis of Human Vertebrae C3-T3 Using CT Images Reconstruction

“…Prior to the measurement, the orientation and position of the Cartesian XYZ-coordinate system on the vertebral model was defined based on the method used by Tan et al [7] Panjabi et al [3] and Zindrick et al [13]. They defined the origin of the coordinate system at the centroid of the superior end-plate (EPs) with Z-axis normal to the reference XY-plane defined based on the posterior wall of the vertebral body.…”

“…In previous studies, three techniques of vertebral dimension measurement have been reported [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Firstly, the direct anatomical measurement on cadaveric vertebrae either by using linear caliper or more precisely with the aid of three-dimensional digitiser.…”