Spinous Process Length Research Articles

Morphometry of Typical Cervical Vertebrae on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adult Bangladeshi People: A Cross-sectional Analytical Study

Background: Accurate knowledge of cervical vertebral morphometry is crucial for diagnosing pathological conditions and planning surgical interventions. However, data specific to the Bangladeshi population is lacking. Objectives: To determine the morphometric measurements of typical cervical vertebrae (C3-C6) on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in adult Bangladeshi people and to analyze potential sex-based differences. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 70 MRI scans (35 male, 35 female) of typical cervical vertebrae from adult Bangladeshi individuals. Various morphometric parameters were measured using 'Radiant DICOM Viewer' software. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The sagittal diameter of the vertebral body was significantly larger in males compared to females for all measured vertebrae (p<0.001). No significant differences were found between sexes in the height and transverse length of the vertebral body, anteroposterior and transverse lengths of the vertebral foramen, dimensions of foramen transversarium, superior articular facets, lamina, pedicle, and spinous process length (p>0.05 for all). Conclusion: This study provides baseline morphometric data for typical cervical vertebrae in adult Bangladeshi individuals. The observed sexual dimorphism in sagittal vertebral body diameter and the lack of significant differences in other parameters contribute to our understanding of population-specific cervical spine anatomy. These findings may have implications for optimizing surgical techniques and implant designs for the Bangladeshi population.

Predicting primal weight and primal yield in pork carcasses from a large-scale survey at major meat processing centers in Japan.

Pork primal weight and primal yield are important indicators for pig breeding, feeding management, commercial distribution systems, and meat processing. Here, we aimed to determine whether primal weight and primal yield could be predicted through non-destructive measurements of pork carcass traits. A total of 4397 carcasses (1958 gilts and 2439 barrows) from eight major meat processing centers were used, and the mean primal weight and primal yield were 56.0kg and 73.9%, respectively. Significant sex differences were observed for all primal and carcass traits (P < 0.001), except for carcass weight. A maximum of 12 variables were examined, and primal weight was predicted with very high accuracy (R = 0.95, RMSE = 1.7, RPD = 3.0) using four variables. Primal yield was predicted with relatively good accuracy (R = 0.71, RMSE = 2.3, RPD = 1.4) using three variables, and these same variables were also effective for predicting primal weight. These prediction formulas were sufficiently accurate without accounting for the effect of sex. Overall, our results demonstrate that primal weight and primal yield can be accurately predicted using four variables, "carcass weight," "backfat thickness above M. gluteus medius," "spinous process length of 13th thoracic vertebra," and "length from 1st thoracic vertebra to backfat," without accounting for the effect of sex.

Evaluation of the usage of the cervical 7th vertebra in sex estimation with measurements on computerized tomography images

Sex estimation is the primary step in biological profiling via identification using skeletal elements. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of the seventh cervical vertebra for sex estimation. The cervical computed tomography scans of 200 female and 200 male patients aged ≥ 20 years were analyzed. Eight different measurements of the seventh cervical vertebra were performed, including the transverse and anteroposterior diameters of the foramen vertebra, transverse and anteroposterior diameters of the corpus vertebra inferior surface, height of the corpus vertebra, corpus vertebrae-spinous process angle, and height and length of the spinous process. Independent two-sample t-test was performed; significant differences were observed between the sexes in all measurements except corpus vertebrae-spinous process angle. Further, univariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the length of spinous process showed the highest dimorphism. Among the univariate models created, the model obtained using only the length of the spinous process reached an accuracy rate of 80 %. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (via Forward LR Wald) was used for sex estimation with an accuracy of up to 90.8 % (89 % for men and 92.5 % for women). In conclusion, the seventh cervical vertebra is dimorphic in the Turkish population and allows sex estimation with high accuracy rates.

Morphological and morphometric studies on the axial skeleton of the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus)

BackgroundAnatomical features of the skeleton of wild animals contribute largely to their adaptation. A dearth of information on the skeletal anatomy of the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus) necessitated this study. Two adult sitatunga carcasses weighing 54 kg and 57 kg were obtained after post-mortem examination. Bone preparation was achieved through cold water maceration protocol.ResultThe tympanic bulla was elongated and massive, resulting in the rudimentary appearance of the styloid and muscular processes of the temporal bone. The lacrimal bone had a somewhat triangular presentation with the lacrimal foramen on the caudal border of the facial surface while its dorsal border formed the lateral margin of the frontal sinus. There was no observable lacrimal fossa on this facial surface of the lacrimal bone. The facial tubercle was absent. The vertebral column formula was C7 T13 L6 S4 C10-14, and the atlas dorsal median tubercle was smooth, devoid of ridges. The spinous process of the axis extended the entire arch length to hang little above the odontoid process. The thoracic spinous processes were oriented dorso-caudally from T1 to T11; spinous process of T12 was vertical, while that of T13 was oriented dorso-cranially. The length of the transverse process of L1 and L6 were the same, and smaller than the length of those of L2-L5. There was incomplete fusion of sacral spinous processes. Three dorsal and ventral sacral foramina were identified laterally on each side of the vertebrae. The ribs were 26 in number (13 pairs). The sternum was comprised of 5 sternabrae separated by intersternal cartilage. The average number of bones of the axial skeleton was 75. Morphometric in formation included the length of skull, mandible and ribs; body length of vertebrae and spinous process length and height of the vertebrae.ConclusionThis study recorded anatomical features and biometric information on axial skeletal bones of the Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus) thereby providing baseline data for future biomedical, archaeological and comparative skeletal anatomical studies.

The effects of patient related factors on hidden and total blood loss in single-level open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the amount of TBL and HBL and analyse the risk factors using multivariate linear regression analysis during single-level OTLIF surgery. In this study 62 patients (32 male, 30 female, mean age 49.22 ± 13.26) who underwent single-level interbody fusion proce dures by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2021 were included. Retrospectively, relevant statistics regarding body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologist Score (ASA), preoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP), and age were gathered. Preoperative MR images were used to assess and measure radiological parameters such as skin-disc distance (SDA), canal area (CA), paravertebral muscle area (PVMA),lumbosacral maximum subcutaneous fat thickness (LSMSF), operation level subcutaneous fat thickness (OPSF) and spi nous process length (SPL).Total blood loss (TBL) was calculated according to Nadler's formula. Hidden blood loss (HBL) was measured by deducting the measured (visible) blood loss from TBL. TBL, HBL and their relationship with preoperative parameters were assessed. HBL was determined to be significantly higher in older patients (P = 0.012). MAP was seen to have a statistically significant cor relation with operating time (P = 0.002), operative bleeding (P = 0.002), TBL (P = 0.006), and HBL (P = 0.001), and an inverse correlation with postoperative drainage (P = 0.007). The ASA scores were observed to be statistically significantly correlated with TBL (P = 0.001), and HBL (P = 0.001). LSMSF showed a significant correlation with TBL (P = 0.005) and HBL (P = 0.002). OPSF was determined to be correlated with TBL (P = 0.011), HBL (P = 0.009) and length of stay in hospital (P =0.034). SDD was correlated with TBL (P =0.043), and SPL with HBL (P = 0.013). It was shown that age (P =0.012), MAP (P =0.001), ASA (P =0.001), LSMFS (P = 0.002), OPSF (P = 0.009), SPL (P = 0.013) were risk factors for HBL. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis; two anatomical factors LSMSF and SPL were independent risk factors for HBL (P < 0.05). This results of this study have revealed that most patient-related parameters have a significant effect on HBL and TBL.The study has also demonstrated that LSMSF and SPL are independent risk factors for HBL. Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Variations of spinous and transverse process length in the human lumbar spine

ABSTRACT Background: Some manual therapy schools of thought rely on palpation of vertebral position via bony processes prior to the application of directional manual interventions. It is feasible that malformation or asymmetry of the spinous processes (SPs) or transverse processes (TPs), if unknown, may influence the outcome of a diagnostic palpatory exam and the application of directional manual interventions. This study provides morphometric data for the lumbar spine, to assess the occurrence of length differences in lumbar SPs and TPs occurring between the right and left sides. Methods: The lumbar processes were measured bilaterally in 16 adult cadaveric specimens, 9 females and 7 males ranging in age from 68 to 89 years. A measurable difference in SP length, defined as ≥ 0.1 cm, was found in 72.4% of the population, and for TP lengthin 90.6% of the population. A mean SP length difference of 0.2 ± 0.2 cm and a mean TP length difference of 0.4 ± 0.3 cm were observed. Process length was longer on average for males, and the magnitude of process length difference increased with age. Conclusion: These results indicate that a finding of a clinical positional fault of a vertebra through palpatory exam may be flawed.

A new posterior stabilization technique in pediatric subaxial cervical vertebrae: Stabilization of spinous processes with the microplate/screw system: A radiological anatomy study.

There are limited options for posterior stabilization techniques in cases of cervical subaxial instability in children. We designed this study to investigate whether the spinous process (SP) stabilization, which was previously used in adults, can also be used in children. Children aged 4-12 years who were admitted to our hospital between 2012 and 2020 and underwent 3D cervical computed tomography (CT) were retrospectively screened. Children without cervical spine fractures, tumors, deformities, or any ab-normalities and motion artifacts on CT were included in the study. Eight hundred seventy children were identified. Then, 360 children randomly selected from the patient pool were divided into nine different age groups or 3 different age groups (4-6 years, 7-9 years, and 10-12 years). The length, height, thickness, and anomalies of subaxial SPs were studied on CT images of children. The suitability of the SPs for the microplate/screw stabilization system was investigated. The suitability rate for screw insertion was 57.6% and the suitability rate for the stabilization in at least one segmental unit was 74.7%. The eligibility rate for stabilization involving C3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 vertebrae was 16.1%. There were nine different stabilization combinations and C6-7 segmental unit (71.9%) were the most common in those combinations. Bifidity prevented screw insertion in 21% of children. We found that the screw acceptance rate of SP started to increase statistically around 8 years of age and the number of segmental units that could be stabilized was at the age of 10-12 at most. According to the results of this study, we believe that the SP stabilization method recommended for children can be used as a salvage method, to support anterior stabilization or alone in a small number of selected cases.

A Radiological Evaluation of Lumbar Spinous Processes and Interspinous Spaces, Including Clinical Implications.

Background and objectiveThe aim of this study was the examination of morphometry of the spinous process (SP) and interspinous space (ISS) of the lumbar region to help provide a basis for the design and implantation of interspinous devices.MethodsBetween 2017 and 2019, 215 individuals underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar region for various reasons. No pathology was detected in these images, and the participants' age, height, and weight information when available were included in the study. From these images, the height and length of the SP and ISS in the lumbar region were noted. The heights of the SP and ISS were measured at three levels as anterior, middle, and posterior (respectively, anterior height of the spinous process [AHSP], middle height of the spinous process [MHSP], as well as posterior height of the spinous process [PHSP] for the height of SP, and anterior ISS, middle ISS and posterior ISS for the height of ISS). All measurements were compared according to the gender, age, weight, height, and body mass index of the individuals.ResultsThe level with the lowest SP height and length was L5 vertebra. The ISS height and length were lowest at L4-L5. In addition, we observed a statistically significant difference at multiple levels with age, weight, height, and body mass index of the reference ranges.ConclusionWe think that these changes should be considered when designing and implanting interspinous devices. Since there are few studies examining all these correlations, we think that the results of this study will make a unique contribution to the literature.

Assessing vertebral body rotation for percutaneous pedicle screw placement in scoliosis surgery

Study DesignRetrospective Review. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and magnitude of pedicle asymmetry as well as spinous process deviation in the healthy lumbar spine. Summary of Background DataMinimally invasive spine surgery relies on fluoroscopic imaging as bony landmarks used for instrumentation are not exposed. The precision of techniques used to determine vertebral body rotation intraoperatively may be confounded by anatomic variation or pathology. Here, we investigate the physiologic variation in different anatomic structures of the lumbar spine used for percutaneous pedicle screw placement. Methods100 normal lumbar CT scans, without evidence of acute deformity, significant spondylosis, scoliosis, or spondylolisthesis were reviewed to assess for pedicle height, width and spinous process angle (SPA) to compare symmetry between right and left sided pedicles for each vertebral body. Spinous process deviation of ≥5° in the axial plane was considered a relevant finding and the magnitude of offset from midline was calculated using the deviation angle and spinous process length. ResultsAnalysis of CT scans found that 17.5% of lumbar spinous processes had an average angular variation ≥5°. This calculates to a clinically significant 3.53 mm average offset of spinous processes from midline in 17.5% of lumbar vertebrae. Pedicle height and width measurements did not show statistically or clinically significant variation when comparing right to left lumbar pedicles. ConclusionThese results suggest that using the spinous process as a fluoroscopic landmark during intraoperative imaging to determine neutral rotation of lumbar vertebrae can be an unreliable technique. Rotational alignment can be determined more reliably by comparing left to right pedicle symmetry. These findings should be considered when selecting an operative technique to assess neutral vertebral alignment during percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation.

MRI-based synthetic CT of the lumbar spine: Geometric measurements for surgery planning in comparison with CT

PurposeMRI is the imaging modality of choice for soft tissue-related spine disease. However, CT is superior to MRI in providing clear visualization of bony morphology. The purpose of this study is to test equivalency of MRI-based synthetic CT to conventional CT in quantitatively assessing bony morphology of the lumbar spine. MethodA prospective study with an equivalency design was performed. Adult patients who had undergone MRI and CT of the lumbar spine were included. Synthetic CT images were generated from MRI using a deep learning-based image synthesis method. Two readers independently measured pedicle width, spinal canal width, neuroforamen length, anterior and posterior vertebral body height, superior and inferior vertebral body length, superior and inferior vertebral body width, maximal disc height, lumbar curvature and spinous process length on synthetic CT and CT. The agreement among CT and synthetic CT was evaluated using equivalency statistical testing. ResultsThirty participants were included (14 men and 16 women, range 20–60 years). The measurements performed on synthetic CT of pedicle width, spinal canal width, vertebral body height, vertebral body width, vertebral body length and spinous process length were statistically equivalent to CT measurements at the considered margins. Excellent inter- and intra-reader reliability was found for both synthetic CT and CT. ConclusionsEquivalency of MRI-based synthetic CT to CT was demonstrated on geometrical measurements in the lumbar spine. In combination with the soft tissue information of the conventional MRI, this provides new possibilities in diagnosis and surgical planning without ionizing radiation.

A morphometric study of the thoracolumbar spine spinous process and lamina space in the Chinese.

The aim of the study was to analyse the anatomical parameters of the thoracolumbar spine spinous process and lamina space for Chinese anatomic study, and provide an anatomical reference for its clinical operation. Samples from 24 adult autopsy subjects were obtained from the thoracolumbar spine spinous process and lamina space at levels T1 through L5. Direct measurements were made for the spinous process spacing distance, spinous process length, width, thickness and inclination angle, and the lamina space width and height. 1. Distance of the spine spinous process spacing: Thoracic part: The maximum tip distance was observed at T4~T5 level, and the minimum tip distance was observed at T9~T10 level. The maximum centre distance and root distance were observed at T11~T12 level, and the minimum were observed at T5~T6 level separately. Lumbar part: distance of spinous process spacing in lumbar part showed a decreasing pattern from L1~L2 to L5~S1. 2. Length, width, thickness of the spine spinous process: 1) The length of the spinous process: The upper border gradually increased from T1 to T6 and then decreased till T12 region. The centre region is T8 maximum, T11 minimum. The lower border length showed a decreasing trend from T1 to T12. Lumbar part: The length increased from L1 and reached maximum value at L3. Then, the length decreased gradually to reach minimum value at L5. 2) The width of the spinous process: The width showed an increasing trend from T1 to T12. Lumbar part: Maximum width was seen at L3 and a minimum L5. 3) The thickness of the spinous process: Tip thickness > Centre thickness > Root thickness in each thoracic and lumbar vertebra. Thoracic part: the maximum tip thickness is T1, T7 minimum, The maximum centre thickness is T12, T7 minimum. The maximum root height is T6, T9 minimum. Lumbar part: Maximum tip thickness was seen at L1, and a minimum L3. Maximum centre thickness was seen at L5, and a minimum L2. Maximum root thickness was seen at L2, and a minimum L1. 3. Inclination angle of the spine spinous process: The inclination angle gradually decreased from T1 to T7 to minimum value at T7 and then increased till T12 region. 4. Width and height of lamina space: 1) The width of lamina space: For thoracic part, the data became shorter gradually from T1~T2 to T5~T6, and then increased till to T11~T12. For lumbar part, the width of lamina space increased from T12~L1 to L5~S1. 2) The height of lamina space: In the thoracic vertebrae, the maximum height of centre region was observed at T11~T12 and the minimum mean value was observed at T3~T4. In the lumbar vertebrae, the height of the lamina space was gradually increased from T12~L1 to L5~S1. This study reports morphometric data of the thoracolumbar spine spinous process and lamina space in the Chinese population, which provides an anatomic basis for thoracolumbar spine design of internal fixation, posterior surgery, puncture and epidural anaesthesia.

Identification of Race: A Three-Dimensional Geometric Morphometric and Conventional Analysis of Human Fourth Cervical Vertebrae in Adult Malaysian Population

Introduction: Estimation of race plays a significant role in establishing personal identity in forensic anthropology. A cervical vertebra is one of the bones that is least researched in forensic applications. Our study aims to investigate the morphologic variations of the fourth cervical vertebrae (C4) between the different major races in the adult Malaysian population using a three-dimensional (3D) geometric morphometrics method. Methods: Computer tomography images of C4 vertebra, which consist of 386 subjects (169 Malay, 82 Chinese, and 135 Indian) were collected retrospectively from University of Malaya. Twenty-eight landmarks were placed on the images. Procrustes MANOVA, canonical variates analysis(CVA), discriminant function analysis (DFA), and linear measurement were performed using Planmeca Romexis, Checkpoint Stratovan, Morpho J, and Graphpad Prism software respectively to analyze the morphological variations of C4. Results: Procrustes MANOVA showed significant differences in the shape (p &amp;lt;0.0001) and centroid size (p = 0.0003) of the C4 vertebra between races. Canonical variate analysis showed significant differences for Mahalanobis (p &amp;lt;0.0001) and Procrustes (p &amp;lt;0.0001) distances among races. Besides that, a cross-validation value of 66.5% was demonstrated by discriminant function analysis. The use of linear measurements reveals no significant differences between the races, thesemeasurements are the vertebral body height, anterior-posterior length of the vertebral body, length of superior articular facet, and spinous process length. Both intra- and inter-observational reliabilities showed that acceptable human errors for measurement accuracy. Conclusions: Morphologic variations in the shape of C4 can assist in race estimation of the adult Malaysian population using the 3D geometric morphometric approach.

Expansion of Spinal Canal with Lift-Open Laminoplasty: A New Method for Compression Cervical Myelopathy.

ObjectiveThis study is to introduce lift‐open laminoplasty and verify the increase of the spinal canal area following this surgical technique according to the preoperative anatomical measurement.MethodsThere are 82 patients (43 male and 39 female) analyzed in our study from January 2019 to December 2020. The average age was 63.2 ± 3.21 years (from 41 to 84 years). All of them were treated with open‐door laminoplasty, with a decompression segment range from C3 to C6. The increase of the spinal canal area after open‐door laminoplasty was measured on postoperative CT images of the patients, and the distances between both lamina‐facet junctions and lamina length was measured on preoperative CT images. Using the Pythagorean theorem for the equation of calculation area after the expansile open‐door laminoplasty. Based on previous measurement parameters, spinous process length, lateral mass width, distance between osteotomy line and lamina‐facet junctions line were additionally measured on preoperative CT images. Pythagorean theorem was used for calculating the area after the expansile lift‐open laminoplasty. The results were recorded and a statistical analysis was undertaken. Then, there were six patients (five male and one female) treated with lift‐open laminoplasty on C6, open‐door on C3–C5, who suffer from cervical spondylotic myelopathy from December 2020 to January 2021. The average age was 60.3 ± 1.7 years (from 56 to 71 years). Operation time, blood loss, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score recovery rate were recorded. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed.ResultsThe increase of the spinal canal area after open‐door laminoplasty measured on postoperative CT images was 123.01 ± 17.06 mm2 and the calculation of the increase of the spinal canal areausing the Pythagorean theorem after open‐door laminoplasty was 122.86 ± 15.86 mm2. A comparison of the actual value with calculative value showed no significant difference (T value = 0.057, P value = 0.955). The calculation of the increase of the spinal canal area after lift‐open laminoplasty was 183.57 ± 62.99 mm2, which was larger than that after open‐door laminoplasty (T value = 8.462, P value < 0.001). Mean operation time was 153.3 min and operative blood loss was 600 mL of the six patients treated with lift‐open laminoplasty. At 1 month follow‐up, all patients had recovered well. JOA score recovery rate was 37.6% and no intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred.ConclusionLift‐open laminoplasty could preserve nearly 100% of extensor muscle, avoid damaging C7 paraspinal muscles and C6‐7 posterior muscle‐ligament complex, reconstruct the spinous process firmly in the midline, and expand adequate spinal canal area after operation. These advantages could reduce the incidence rate of complications and bring better clinical results than traditional laminoplasty.

Morphometry of Dry Sub Axial Vertebra: A Nepalese Study

There is paucity in literature describing the morphology of sub-axial vertebra of the local population. Available studies are limited to the body, intervertebral disk, spinal canal and Torg’s ratio of the cervical vertebra. Therefore, the present study aims to document various morphological parameters of sub axial vertebra. Sixty-four dry sub-axial vertebrae of the Nepalese population were studied using Vernier Calipers calibrated to 0.1 mm accuracy. Paired parameters of pedicle, lamina, uncinate process, the distance of the apex of the uncinate process to intervertebral foramen and foramen transversarium were measured. Similarly, unpaired parameters including spinous process length, vertebral foramen anteroposterior width, vertebral foramen transverse diameter and Torg’s ratio were evaluated. Except the height of left lamina of C3 to C6 vertebrae, none of the parameters showed significant side differences. Significant higher values of C7 were noted against C3-C6 on vertebral body height, vertebral body anteroposterior diameter, spinous process length and vertebral foramen anteroposterior diameter. Population data of sub-axial vertebra available in literature showed mixed results with ours. Interestingly, our observations either compared to (lamina, uncinate process, anteroposterior diameter of spinal canal and Torg’s ratio) or were larger (Pedicle and spinous process) than the Indian study with pedicle axis length being largest among all the compared studies. The information of this study may be used as a reference database for our local setting and could be of value in preoperative planning and in designing implants.

Investigation of sexing accuracy of second and seventh cervical vertebras in adult Iranian population by using CT scan images

Sexing accuracy of several metric dimensions of second and seventh cervical vertebras from CT scan images of a series of Iranian adult people were investigated. In this cross-sectional study, sexual dimorphism of 15 indexes of second cervical vertebra and 10 indexes of the seventh cervical vertebra were investigated. Indexes were obtained from CT scan images of 70 patients (35 males and 35 females) who underwent imaging for indications other than present study. Among measured dimension of second vertebra, 9 were associated with sex. Of these indexes, Maximum width of the superior Facet and Maximum height of axis were independent predictors of sex with correct sex classification of 81.4% when used in combination. Of 10 investigated indexes of the seventh vertebra, 4 were associated with sex: Length of superior facets, Length of the inferior surface of the vertebral body, Width of the inferior surface of the vertebral body and Length of spinous process. Length of the inferior surface of the vertebral body and Length of spinous process were independent sex predictors and together provided sex classification accuracy of 78.6%. We found considerable accuracy in sex classification by using metric dimensions of cervical vertebras in adult Iranian population.

Anatomic evaluation OF SUB-AXIAL cervical spine among Nigerians

IntroductionCases of tumor, fracture, or rheumatoid arthritis associated with cervical spine instability are now on the increase. An attempt to stabilize the vertebra by the placement of cervical spine screws involves some risk to the spinal cord, vertebral vessels and exiting nerve roots. To better assist injuries that occur to this region without an impingement of neurovascular structures, it is imperative to understand cervical spine anatomy and its possible variations across populations. MethodIn this study, gross morphometry of 80 fully ossified human cervical vertebrae (C3–C7) was carried out. Eleven parameters were measured using digital Vernier calipers. The means and standard errors for linear and area dimensions of the vertebra body, endplates, spinal canal, and spinous and transverse processes were obtained for each vertebra. ResultAll parameters increased progressively down the spine with very few changes at some vertebra level. Spinous process length increased significantly down the vertebrae. Most of these parameters were different from the reports from other populations. ConclusionWe concluded that possible variation in cervical spine morphometry of Nigerians compare to other races exist and should be taken into consideration when designing cervical vertebra related instruments and in any spinal reconstruction surgery as a size of instrument may not be generally fit for all populations.

The Measurement of Height Via 3D Scans of the Seventh Cervical Vertebra in Iranian Adults

Background: The cervical vertebrae are more durable than other skeletal components, and maybe the only remains of a deceased, and their role in determining the height of the deceased has been underestimated. The present study investigated the role of linear differential dimensions of the seventh cervical vertebrae in determining the height of the Iranian adult population using CT scans.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, height were evaluated by 10 indices of the seventh cervical vertebra. The indices were obtained through a CT scan of 66 adult patients, ≥18 years of age, who referred to Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar hospitals for spine CT scan. The sampling method was random, and the study was performed during the first six months of 2018. Results: Four indices of the Length of the Inferior Facets) LIF, (Length of the Inferior Surface of the Vertebral Body) LIVB, (Width of the Inf surface of the Vertebral Body) WIVB, (Length of Spinous Process ) LSP. were statistically significant differences.Conclusion: The results of this study show the accuracy of linear dimensions of the seventh cervical vertebrae for determining height from skeletal remains in the Iranian adult population.

Functional and developmental influences on intraspecific variation in catarrhine vertebrae

We tested whether patterns of intraspecific variation in catarrhine vertebral shape are consistent with developmental or functional predictions. Intraspecific variation was compared across column regions, morphological features, and species. Transitional regions and later ossifying morphological features were predicted to exhibit increased variation. The lumbosacral region, biomechanically important morphological features, and species with high locomotor demand and/or dedicated pronogrady were predicted to exhibit decreased variation. We used a modified Levene's test to compare intraspecific variation in dimensions of the neural canal, vertebral bodies, and spinous and transverse processes in lower thoracic to proximal sacral vertebrae. The sample included all hominoid genera and one cercopithecoid (Chlorocebus). We found little difference in variation across regions of the vertebral column. In hominoids, vertebral body dimensions were the least variable, neural canal dimensions the most variable, with spinous and transverse processes generally intermediate. Among species, there was a general though not always significant pattern for Chlorocebus to exhibit the least variation, followed by Homo or Hylobates. Patterns of variation across morphological features may reflect the complex interaction of functional constraints, developmental timing, and/or variable biomechanical forces. Pongo's elevated variation in spinous process length suggests a release from functional constraint, consistent with its suspensory locomotion and reduced spinous processes. Interspecific differences in vertebral variation based on locomotor demand or posture are generally consistent with patterns previously reported for vertebral formula and other aspects of morphology. Future research would benefit from an expanded taxonomic sample and more detailed analyses of vertebral modularity and developmental timing.

Dimensions of the spinous process and interspinous space: a morphometric study

To measure the morphological dimensions of the spinous process (SP) and interspinous space, and provide a basis for the development of interspinous devices for the Korean or East Asian populations. We retrospectively analyzed the anatomical parameters of 120 patients. The parameters included height, length, and width of SP, interspinous distance (supine, standing, and dynamic), cortical thickness of SP, and spino-laminar (S-L) angle. Correlations between measurements, age, and gender were investigated. The largest height, length, and cortical thickness and S-L angle were noted at L3. The largest width was observed at S1. The interspinous distance decreased significantly from L2-3 to L5-S1 and was significantly larger in the supine than in standing posture for L5-S1. Cortical thickness was gradually tapered from the anterior to the posterior position. The S-L angle at L2 and L3 was similar and significantly decreased from L3 to S1. An increased trend in width with aging and a decreased trend in distance (supine) were noted. A significant increase in height, length, and distance in males compared with females was also observed. The interspinous space is wider at the anterior, and the cortex is thicker anteriorly. Accordingly, it appears that the optimized implant position lies in the interspinous space anteriorly. The varying interspinous space with different postures and gradually narrowing with age suggest the need for caution when sizing the device. Gender differences also need to be considered when designing implantable devices.

The Role of Functional Neuroanatomy of the Lumbar Spinal Cord in Effect of Epidural Stimulation.

In this study, the neuroanatomy of the swine lumbar spinal cord, particularly the spatial orientation of dorsal roots was correlated to the anatomical landmarks of the lumbar spine and to the magnitude of motor evoked potentials during epidural electrical stimulation (EES). We found that the proximity of the stimulating electrode to the dorsal roots entry zone across spinal segments was a critical factor to evoke higher peak-to-peak motor responses. Positioning the electrode close to the dorsal roots produced a significantly higher impact on motor evoked responses than rostro-caudal shift of electrode from segment to segment. Based on anatomical measurements of the lumbar spine and spinal cord, significant differences were found between L1-L4 to L5-L6 segments in terms of spinal cord gross anatomy, dorsal roots and spine landmarks. Linear regression analysis between intersegmental landmarks was performed and L2 intervertebral spinous process length was selected as the anatomical reference in order to correlate vertebral landmarks and the spinal cord structures. These findings present for the first time, the influence of spinal cord anatomy on the effects of epidural stimulation and the role of specific orientation of electrodes on the dorsal surface of the dura mater in relation to the dorsal roots. These results are critical to consider as spinal cord neuromodulation strategies continue to evolve and novel spinal interfaces translate into clinical practice.