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Anatomical study of the C6 pedicle and lateral mass in children aged 0-14 years based on CT imaging
Jiarui Chen1, Yingying Qin2,3, Yuwang Du1
1Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China.
Insights
This study analyzed C6 pedicle and lateral mass anatomy in children (0-14 years) using CT scans. Findings reveal age-specific growth patterns crucial for pediatric cervical spine surgery planning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Spinal Anatomy
- Radiology
Background:
- Accurate anatomical data of the pediatric cervical spine is essential for safe surgical interventions.
- The C6 vertebra is a critical landmark for posterior cervical fixation.
- Limited detailed studies exist on the C6 pedicle and lateral mass development in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical structure and developmental trends of the C6 pedicle and lateral mass in children aged 0-14 years.
- To provide precise measurements and growth parameters for surgical planning.
- To identify age, gender, and side-specific variations.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) imaging was used to analyze the C6 vertebrae in 0-14 year old children.
- Comprehensive measurements of pedicle and lateral mass dimensions and angles were performed.
- Regression analysis and statistical comparisons were conducted to assess growth trends and group differences.
Main Results:
- Pedicle width exceeds height in children under four, impacting screw diameter selection.
- By age 2-3, pedicle height and lateral mass thickness reach 3.0 mm, enabling the use of 3.0 mm screws.
- Males generally exhibit larger C6 size parameters than females in specific age groups; most angular metrics show no clear age-related trend.
Conclusions:
- Detailed anatomical data of the pediatric C6 pedicle and lateral masses are crucial for successful posterior cervical spine surgery.
- Age-specific anatomical variations must be considered during surgical planning for pediatric posterior fixation at C6.
- Preoperative thin-layer CT scans and precise measurements are recommended for pediatric cervical spine surgeries.
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the anatomical structure of the C6 pedicle and lateral mass in children aged 0-14 years using CT imaging, providing detailed insights into their growth and development.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive measurement of C6. Measurements included width, length, and height of the pedicles, as well as the length, width, and thickness of the lateral masses, and several angular metrics. Regression analysis was performed to understand the growth trends, and statistical analyses were carried out to identify differences between age groups, genders, and sides.
Results:
In children younger than four years, the pedicle width exceeds its height, influencing the diameter of the pedicle screws. By age two to three, the pedicle height and lateral mass thickness reaches 3.0 mm, allowing for the use of 3.0 mm diameter screws. The pedicle transverse angle remains stable. Most parameters showed no significant differences between the left and right sides. Size parameters exhibited significant larger in males than females at ages 0-1, 3-7, and 10-12 years. Regression analysis revealed that the growth trends of size parameters follow cubic or polynomial curves. Most angular metrics follow cubic fitting curves without a clear trend of change with age.
Conclusion:
This study provides a detailed analysis of the anatomical development of the C6 pedicle and lateral masses in children, offering valuable insights for pediatric cervical spine surgeries. The findings highlight the importance of considering age-specific anatomical variations when planning posterior surgical fixation, specifically at C6. It is necessary for us to perform thin-layer CT scans on children and carefully measure various indicators before surgery.
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