Quantitative morphometric study of the subaxial cervical vertebrae end plate

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Anatomy

Background:

• Cervical disc arthroplasty is an emerging treatment for cervical degenerative disease.
• Current artificial cervical disc designs do not match the anatomical dimensions of cervical end plates, leading to potential fit issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely quantify the 3D anatomical morphology of cervical vertebral end plates.
• To provide a foundational understanding for the development of improved cervical disc prostheses.
• To introduce a novel geometric and mechanical model for 3D end plate reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study analyzed the geometry of middle and lower cervical vertebral end plates from 138 cadaveric spines.
• An optical 3D range scanning system was used for digitization and 3D reconstruction.
• Morphological characteristics, including six surface curves and end plate concavity depth, were measured.

Main Results:

• Cranial end plates were significantly more concave (mean depth 2.04 mm) than caudal end plates (mean depth 0.69 mm).
• Caudal end plate concavity apex was predominantly posterior (81.42%), while cranial end plate apex distribution was even.
• Distinct shapes were observed: caudal end plates were aerofoil-shaped (sagittal), cranial were arc-shaped (sagittal), and all were kidney-shaped (transverse).

Conclusions:

• Significant morphologic asymmetry exists between cranial and caudal cervical end plates.
• The distinct 3D shapes (concavity, sagittal, and transverse profiles) of cervical end plates must be considered in the design of cervical implants, particularly artificial discs.