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Evaluation of lower lumbar morphometry in Asian population: A computed tomography scans study

Arsanto Triwidodo, Nyimas Diana Yulisa, Jacub Pandelaki*, Ismail Hadisoebroto Dilogo, Ahmad Jabir Rahyussalim, Lina Saleh Huraiby, Ivana Ariella Nita Hadi, Faza Yuspa Liosha & Muhammad Luqman Labib Zufar*

Background: Morphometry of the lumbar vertebrae is necessary for the development of spine implants and instrumentations. Knowledge of surgically relevant anatomical parameters is essential for spine surgical interventions. However, results from previous studies varied among different ethnicities. This is the first cross-sectional study of lower lumbar morphometry (L3-L5) among the Indonesian population. This study also intends to show differences between genders, ages, and the lumbar levels.

Methods: The morphometric dimensions of total 900 vertebrae of L3-L5 on CT scan images were measured in 150 males and 150 females. The data were analyzed using Independent T-test or Mann Whitney to show gender differences. Correlation with ages were analyzed using Pearson or Spearman. Further, dimensions were subjected to One-way Anova and Tukey-b (Post Hoc) to show any significant differences between the means of the lumbar levels (L3-L5).

Results: In general, vertebral dimensions of L3-L5 were reported to be greater in males than in females. Besides, significant correlations (p-value <0.05) with age were found for L4-L5 cortical bone thickness, disc height, and L3 spinal canal width. The post hoc analysis showed significant mean differences between the lumbar levels (p-value<0.05), except for endplates width. There are significant gender and ethnic differences in various dimensions of the lumbar vertebrae.

Conclusions: This study may serve as anatomical reference in designing lumbar prosthesis and instrumentations in Asian people, especially Indonesian population, and thus critical for safe surgical interventions.