Abstract
Pedicle screw is employed in several cases of spine disorders such as fractures, pseudarthrosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative changes among others. Its essence is to fix the vertebral body in position until fusion is complete. The success of this technique depends on factors like choice of size of screw for a particular pedicle size and shape. Thus, adequate knowledge of the morphometry of lumbar pedicle may avert intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with this technique, especially, neurological impairments. In this study, we determined the vertical and horizontal diameters, interpedicular distance and gender differences of 180 lumbar vertebral pedicles (140 male, 40 female pedicles) using digital vernier calipers. Results revealed a significant increase in pedicle height and width from L2 to L5. Interpedicular distance increased significantly down the vertebrae from L2 to L5. Mean vertical and horizontal diameters, interpedicular distance were not significantly different in both sexes. This study recommends a thorough check of individual’s spinal anatomy in pre-operative assessments.
Highlights
Vertebral pedicles are strong cylindrical structures which have a core of cancellous bone surrounded by a strong shell of cortical bone [1] [2]
Three parameters were measured from L1 to L5 (Figure 1): ■ Pedicle Height: it was taken as the maximum right vertical diameter (RVD)
Morphometric data of vertebral pedicles is of importance in preoperative planning and in designing pedicle screws and other implantable devices [10]
Summary
Vertebral pedicles are strong cylindrical structures which have a core of cancellous bone surrounded by a strong shell of cortical bone [1] [2]. They have a medial and inferior anatomical relation to the dural sac and exiting nerve roots respectively [3]. Inferior or medial penetration of the pedicle cortex during spinal fusion procedures such as pedicle srew fixation (PSF) can result in specific injuries and complications [4]. The injuries and complications associated with this procedure include radicular, dura-mater and vascular injuries, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, pedicle fracture, deep infections, thromboembolism and several other complications linked to important surgeries [7] [8] [9]
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