Spinal Dimensions and Shape Variation in Koreans: Radiographic Quantitative Morphometry

Kim, Nam Hyun; Moon, Seong Hwan; Lee, Hwan Mo; Kim, Doo Hwan

Abstract

Spinal dimensions (anterior, mid, and posterior height of the vertebral body) and shape variation (wedge compression, biconcave, and crush ratio) were obtained from plain radiographs of healthy Korean men and women. The purpose of this study was to define vertebral fracture from normal spinal morphometry of Korean men and women and to compare spinal dimension between men and women. Healthy 100 men and 100 women were included in this study. Plain lateral radiographs of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were taken with standard method. Quantitative morphometry (anterior, mid, and posterior height of the vertebral body) was performed with plain radiographs. Spinal shape variations (wedge compression, biconcave, and crush ratio) were calculated from morphometric data. Spinal dimensions and shape variation of Korean men and women were presented, and morphometric cut-off vaiues for vertebral fracture were evaluated(mean-3xSD). Spinal dimensions of men were greater than women in all level (p<0.01). Wedge compression ratios (T6, 7, 8, 9, 12, L5 level) and biconcave ratios (T12, Ll, 4, 5 level) and crush ratios (Tll, L4, L5 level) were different between men and women (p<0.01). Spinal dimensions and shape variation from quantitative morphometry can be used in objective definition of vertebral fracture which can be used in medicolegal problem, workers compensation and medical insurance.