Morphometric examination of vertebrae prominens with computed tomography images

Abstract

The seventh cervical vertebra, also known as the vertebra prominens, possesses a distinctive structure with the most prominent spinous process among the cervical vertebrae. This study aims to assess the morphometric properties of the vertebra prominens concerning gender and age. In a retrospective analysis, computed tomography (CT) images from 200 individuals (100 females, 100 males), aged 18 to 75, devoid of cervical pathologies, were utilized. These images were sourced from the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) archive of the Department of Radiology at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University. Participants were divided into two age groups: 18-30 years and 31-74 years. Measurements were obtained from 1.25 mm thick CT images using the Sectra program. Statistically significant differences in spinal dimensions were observed based on gender (p<0.001). Typically, males exhibited larger spinal dimensions compared to females, indicating a gender-based influence on spinal morphology. Age-wise analysis revealed significant gender-based disparities (p<0.001), illustrating age-gender variations. The antero-posterior length of the vertebra body showed gender-related differences in median values (p<0.001), with males having a median value of 15 mm and females 12.7 mm. Gender-based distinctions in the width of the right pediculus vertebral arch (p<0.001) were observed, with median values of 7.16 mm for males and 6.23 mm for females. Similarly, the left pediculus vertebral arch width displayed gender-related discrepancies in median values (p<0.001). Significant sex-related variations in spinal dimensions were noted (p<0.001), with males having larger vertebrae compared to females, indicating the impact of gender on spinal morphology. Age-related analysis also revealed significant gender-based differences (p<0.001), underscoring age-gender variations. These findings highlight the importance of considering both gender and age when assessing spinal morphometry. Understanding these variations contributes to a comprehensive comprehension understanding of spinal anatomy, potentially informing clinical interventions and treatment strategies tailored to individual characteristics.

Keywords

• vertebrae prominens
• computed tomography
• morphometry
• cervical

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