Target pedicle of T-12: radiologic-anatomic correlation

The authors prospectively studied 250 consecutive thoracic and lumbar spinal radiographic examinations and 56 dried skeletons to elucidate the peculiar target appearance in the pedicle of T-12 and occasionally T-11. Target pedicles were seen in 13 of the spines (23%) and in 85 of the 250 radiographic examinations (34%). Similar target pedicles were observed at T-11 in two radiographic examinations and in one spine. Anatomic correlation revealed that the inferior and lateral tubercles contribute to the ring shadow within the pedicle.