EJMS

Abstract

Background: Anatomical measurements of the various dimensions of typical cervical vertebrae and their age relations were extensively studied in white populations and to a lesser exten in Japan but such studies are deficient in our populations. Objective: This study was performed to obtain basic morphometric data about typical cervical vertebrae in our populations, to point out any racial difference and to make it available to other branches of science. Material and methods: For osteological group, 60 apparently normal dried typical cervical vertebrae were used. For radiological group, 60 completely normal computerized tomography films of thin slice (2 mm) were obtained. Results: The greatest vertebral width was at C6 while C3 represented the greatest vertebral height but neither of these vertebrae showed any significant gender difference. Canal depth was greater at C3 while the canal width was greater at C6. C6 also represented the greatest mean for pedicular width, length and interpedicular distance. The pedicular axis length was greatest at C5 while pedicular height was nearly constant. Pedicular width, axis length and interpedicular distance showed significant gender difference radiologically but not in bone specimens and neither of them showed any age correlation. Laminar dimensions showed nearly constant values along the vertebral levels. C6 proved to be the level of significant difference of spine length in both studied groups. Conclusion: Nearly all studied bone dimensions showed racial variations but some of them showed significant age correlation or gender difference. Multiple vertebral dimensions showed variations between radiological and osteological measurements, this must be considered precisely while practicing inside surgical rooms.