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Related Experiment Videos

Morphology of the dens. A quantitative study.

M B Schaffler1, M D Alson, J G Heller

  • 1Anatomy Section, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.

Spine
|July 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

This study found that the dens of the second cervical vertebra are slightly larger in males than females, with no significant correlation to body size. These morphometric differences are important for understanding sexual dimorphism in cervical vertebrae.

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Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Anthropology
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

  • The dens (odontoid process) of the second cervical vertebra (C2) is crucial for atlantoaxial joint stability.
  • Understanding its morphometrics is vital for diagnosing conditions and planning surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct morphometric analyses of the dens using a large skeletal sample.
  • To investigate potential sexual dimorphism and correlations with overall body size.

Main Methods:

  • Measurements of longitudinal and transverse dens dimensions were taken from 120 C2 vertebrae.
  • Data were analyzed for differences between sexes and correlations with body size indicators.

Main Results:

  • Males exhibited significantly larger mean dens dimensions (5-10%) compared to females.

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  • Dens dimensions showed a poor correlation with body height and weight.
  • Distribution of dens dimensions was skewed, with males tending towards larger values and females towards smaller values.

    • Conclusions:

    • Sexual dimorphism is present in the morphometrics of the dens.
    • Body size is not a reliable predictor of dens dimensions.
    • Findings have implications for surgical planning, particularly for screw fixation of dens fractures.