Investigation of Lumbar Vertebrae and Disc Morphometry with Computed Tomography in Turkish Adults

Abstract

Conducting morphometric studies including many parameters and establishing certain standards for the anatomy of the lumbar spine will facilitate clinical applications. The Turkish example of lumbar vertebrae and disc morphometry has not yet been presented comprehensively.In our study, abdominal computed tomography images of 700 adults were evaluated retrospectively. It was observed that the anterior height of the vertebral bodies increased from L1 to L4 in males, and from L1 to L5 in females. The posterior height of the vertebral bodies was lowest at L5 in both sexes, while it was highest at L3 in males and L4 in females. In all age groups, the values for males were greater (p<0.05). It was observed that the width and depth of the spinal canal increased from L1 to L5 in males and from L2 to L5 in females, with L2 being the smallest in females. The values for males were greater in the same age groups for both parameters (p=0.05). The values for the right transverse pedicle angle increased from upper levels to lower levelsin both sexes, while for the left transverse pedicle angle, it was smallest at L2 and increased towards L5. There was no sex-related difference (p>0.05). In all age groups and both sexes, an increase in anterior disc heights towards disc 5 was observed. The values for males were greater than those for females (p<0.05). The posterior disc height at disc 5 was higher in females, and in other discs, it was higher in males (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was found that the measurement values of the parameters examined varied according to lumbar level and sex, but were independent of age. The morphometric data we obtained are important in terms of providing a reference for the people of our region and contributing to the literature.