Morphometric analysis of cervical disc space height and interpedicular distance using computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Orthopedics
• Anatomy

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for assessing spinal anatomy.
• Establishing normative radiographic morphometric measurements is essential for diagnosing spinal pathologies.
• Cervical disc space height (DSH) and interpedicular distance (IPD) are key parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative radiographic morphometric measurements of cervical DSH and IPD.
• To document the influence of patient sex, race, ethnicity, and anthropometric characteristics on these measurements.
• To provide reference data for the 18-35 year age group.

Main Methods:

• Review of cervical CT scans from 1000 patients aged 18-35 without known spinal pathology.
• Statistical analysis to assess associations between anthropometric factors (height, weight, sex, race, ethnicity) and DSH/IPD.
• Measurement of anterior, middle, and posterior DSH, and IPD between C3-C7 vertebrae.

Main Results:

• Average DSH: anterior 2.6 mm, middle 4.1 mm, posterior 1.8 mm. Mean IPD (C3-C7): 21.1 mm.
• Significant differences in DSH and IPD were observed across all disc levels and vertebral levels.
• Males exhibited larger DSH and IPD than females. Caucasians had larger measurements than African Americans and Hispanics at select levels.

Conclusions:

• Normative DSH and IPD measurements were established for healthy young adults (18-35 years).
• Cervical DSH and IPD measurements demonstrate significant variation based on sex, race, ethnicity, and disc level.
• These findings are critical for accurate interpretation of cervical spine imaging in diverse populations.