Morphometeric Analysis of the Lumbar Vertebrae in North Indian Population

The lumbar pedicle, a cylinder of cortical bone is the strongest part of the vertebra. The fixation of lumbar spine is needed for various spinal problems. The present study was aimed at measuring the various parameters of lumbar vertebrae from north Indian population with special emphasis on pedicles morphometry. A total 20 dry adult lumbar vertebral sets from unknown age and sex were measured using vernier calipers. There were no significant differences found in right and left side. The Mid-Pedicle width of pedicles increases from L1 to L5. The lowest value for Minimum-Pedicle width was recorded at L1 level (7.1 mm). The mean of Pedicle height was maximum at L1 level (14.6 mm). The minimum Pedicle height was recorded at L4 level (13.4 mm). The Pedicle length was constant throughout the lumbar spine and smallest at L5 pedicle (8.6mm). The vertebral canal observed wider and compressed antero-posterior from L1-L5. The Pedicle angle in transverse plain increase gradually the maximum mean value of Pedicle angle in transverse plain was recorded as 23.7° at L5 and smallest value at L1 level (15.6°). Various parameters of lumbar vertebrae slightly differ from values of other populations thereby knowledge of lumbar pedicle morphology is essential for pedicle screw use.