Morphometric Evaluation of the Cervico-Thoracic Junction

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Abstract
Study Design Linear and angular measurements were performed on 128 vertebrae (16 spines) from C5 to T5. Objectives Vertebrae were studied to characterize vertebral shape and size changes in the cervico-thoracic region. Summary of Background Data Analysis of vertebral anatomy has been extensive and well characterized. Regions of transitional anatomy necessitate further study due to the often abrupt changes in anatomic relationships. Methods Two observers performed linear and angular measurements including pedicle width, height, and length, as well as a pedicle-body, pedicle-lamina, lamina-transverse process, and pedicle-lamine angular measurements. Pedicle axis projection on the posterior aspect of the lamina was also calculated. Results The mean pedicle width ranged from 7.8 mm (T1) to 4.4 mm (T5). The body-pedicle angle decreased >4 degrees per level in the transverse plane, from 50° (C5) to 11° (T5). The axial projection of the pedicle changed throughout the region (compared with level above) and was significant for T1. Conclusions Because of the complexities of the cervico-thoracic junction, additional characterization increases the knowledge of the anatomic relationships in this region.

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