Computed tomography-based morphometric analysis of thoracic pedicles: An analysis of 1512 pedicles and their correlation with sex, age, weight and height

Abstract

AIM: To examine the morphological features of thoracic pedicles in a Turkish population. MATERIAL and METHODS: This retrospective study was performed with the patients who were underwent thoracic CT for any reason such as trauma or pulmonary disorder. Patient's age, height, weight, and sex were recorded and pedicle length (PL), transverse pedicle diameter (TPD), sagittal pedicle diameter (SPD) and, transverse pedicle angle (TPA) were measured. The right and left pedicles were separately measured. The data obtained was analyzed and compared with other studies in the literature. RESULTS: The highest mean TPA value was 33° at T1, whereas the lowest mean TPA value was 3° at T12. The highest mean PL value was 39.6 mm at T11, whereas the lowest mean PL value was 33.7 mm at T1. The lowest mean SPD value was 7.2 mm, which was measured on T1, and the maximum mean SPD was 11.7 mm on T12. The minimum mean TPD value was 3.8 mm at T5 and the maximum value was 6.2 mm at T1. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between pedicle length and height in all vertebrae. Age had no effect on the morphological features of the thoracic pedicle. In males, PL, TPD, and SPD were higher than females. CONCLUSION: Compared with other populations, the Turkish population has a smaller pedicle width on sagittal and transverse planes, and their PL and medial angling is similar to those of other populations. Male patients who are taller and overweight have higher pedicle width and length.