Determining the Optimal Morphometry of Pedicle Screws in Lumbar and Thoracic Spine in the Iranian Population

Abstract

Background: The improper length and direction of pedicle screw may also cause it to penetrate the adjacent organs. Unknowing the safe zone of dimensions and directions of the pedicles is essential to proper screw placement. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional morphometric study on patients with spinal trauma referred to the neurosurgical department in 2021. The MARCO PACS software scale measured the CT scan images and included the vertebral left pedicle diameter, pedicle body distance, body aorta distance, pedicle diameter, height, and area. The entry point and direction of the pedicle screw were made with the “free-hand” method. Results: 301 patients were included, consisting of 113 females (37.5%) and 188 males (62.5%). The mean age of the participants was 42.87±12.3 years. “Among all T12 vertebra parameters, just body aorta distance was not significant between genders (p-value=0.311). The pedicle height and body aorta distance were lowest among 18-35 years patients (p-value=0.001) (p-value=0.003), respectively. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference between 18-35 and 51-70 years for body aorta distance in the L1 vertebra (p-value=0.002). Conclusion: The present investigation has shown significant differences between genders for optimal left pedicle screw parameters, which should be considered before surgery.