In Vivo Three-Dimensional Morphometric Analysis of the Lumbar Pedicle Isthmus

Abstract

Our results showed that the least axis of pedicle, the longest axis of pedicle and the transverse plane width peaked at L5, and the transverse plane width became approximately twice as long in the lower levels compared to the upper levels. The ratio of the transverse plane width to the least axis of pedicle increased by about 40% at L5. These findings highlight the fact that measuring the isthmus width from CT transverse images leads to overestimation, especially in the lower lumbar spine. Therefore, a 3-dimensional inclination of the least axis of the pedicle should be taken into account for the determination of the pedicle diameter in the lower lumbar vertebrae.