Morphometric Study of Pedicles of the Lumbar Verte- Brae in Adult Punjabi Males

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Seema, Professor, Department of Anatomy, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Vallah (Punjab), India. Ph No.: +919914754354 E-Mail: [email protected] Background: Pedicles of lumbar vertebrae are commonly fractured especially in older age group due to osteoporosis and need surgical screws fixation for stabilization of vertebrae. Different studies are being conducted in different populations to know the normal range of pedicle diameters. These diameters can guide the clinicians approaching lumber vertebra pedicles for trans pedicular screw fixation. Aim of study: was to study the vertical, horizontal and interpedicular diameters of pedicles of lumbar vertebrae from anteroposterior radiographs of lumbosacral region. Materials and Methods: The pedicles of the lumbar vertebrae were measured for their horizontal (width) and vertical(height) diameters from plain Antero posterior radiographs of the adult Punjabi males. Mean and standard deviation was noted for the dimensions of each lumbar vertebra from L1 to L5. Results: Horizontal diameter of the pedicle goes on increasing from L1 to L4 vertebrae, less at L5 vertebra. Vertical height of the pedicle goes on increasing from L1 to L3 vertebrae and slightly reduces in L4 and L5. Interpedicular distance is less in L1 and almost equal in L2, L3, L4 and larger in L5 vertebrae. No statistically significant difference is seen in height and width of the pedicle on right and left side. Conclusion: This data can help the surgeons for performing safe transpedicular surgeries in Punjab zone.