What Is the Suitable Wide Cage Size for Stand-alone LLIF in Asian Population: A Computed Tomography Scan–Based Study of a Dimension of Lumbar Endplate

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study is to establish a precise database detailing the width of vertebral endplates, the depth of vertebral endplates (anterior–posterior [A-P] width), and the height of intervertebral discs within the lumbar spine of the Asian population.

Materials and Methods The stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) procedure is increasingly popular for minimally invasive spine surgery and has demonstrated effectiveness in treating various spinal pathologies. Previous studies have indicated that the use of a 26-mm wide cage in stand-alone LLIF can significantly decrease the incidence of cage subsidence. However, most of these studies were conducted on the Caucasian population, which has a larger anatomical structure compared with the Asian population. Consequently, the appropriate wide cage size suitable for stand-alone LLIF in the Asian population has not been previously explored. Ninety-one computed tomography (CT) images were obtained from patients who presented with back pain and had negative imaging results between 2017 and 2021. These images were analyzed using the Picture Archiving Communication System to assess the vertebral body's topography. The analysis involved measuring the vertebral endplate width, vertebral endplate depth (A-P width), and intervertebral disc height.

Results The findings of this study reveal that there is a noticeable increase in the overall width, depth, and intervertebral disc height of the lumbar vertebrae from the upper to the lower regions. Additionally, the morphometric attributes of the lumbar vertebrae observed in this study closely resemble those of Caucasian subjects.

Conclusion The morphometric measurements of the lumbar vertebrae in the Asian population closely resemble those of Caucasian subjects. As a result, it is suggested that a 26-mm wide cage may be a suitable option for stand-alone LLIF in the Asian population.

 

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Keywords

stand-alone LLIF - lateral lumbar interbody fusion - lumbar spine - dimension - lumbar endplate diameter

Introduction

Minimally invasive spine surgery represents an increasingly favored method of addressing spinal disorders. A prominent technique within this approach is the lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), which has demonstrated efficacy in treating various spinal pathologies, including low-to-moderate spinal canal stenosis, lateral recess and/or foraminal canal stenosis, low-grade spondylolisthesis (grades I–II), degenerative scoliosis, and degenerative disc disease.[1] [2] Previously, the standard LLIF with supplemental fixation procedure typically utilized an 18-mm anterior–posterior (A-P) cage, but there have been recent developments in the form of 22- and 26-mm wide cages aimed at reducing the risk of subsidence, particularly in osteoporotic patients.[3]

Stand-alone LLIF is the trans-psoas approach technique that offers the advantage of maintaining segmental stability without supplemental fixation. However, previous studies have indicated higher rates of cage subsidence when LLIF is performed without additional instrumentation.[4] [5] Recent literature suggests that using a 26-mm wide cage for stand-alone LLIF results in a significantly reduced cage subsidence rate.[2] [3] It is important to note that most of the existing literature is based on studies conducted on Caucasian populations, which have a larger anatomical structure compared with Asians. Therefore, further studies on the morphologic vertebral body in the Asian population are warranted to determine the most suitable wide cage size for stand-alone LLIF.

The purpose of this study is to establish a precise database concerning the width of the vertebral endplate, A-P width of the vertebral endplate, and intervertebral disc height of the lumbar spine in Asian populations.

 

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Materials and Methods

A total of 91 digitized computed tomography (CT) images of the lumbosacral spine were obtained from patients experiencing back pain, all of whom had negative findings in their CT scans between 2017 and 2021. Approval for the study was obtained from the Committee on Human Rights Related to Research Involving Human Subjects at Lerdsin Hospital. The digitized CT images underwent measurement and analysis using the Picture Archiving Communication System. The analysis encompassed the measurement of the superior and inferior vertebral endplate width, superior and inferior vertebral endplate depth (A-P width), and intervertebral disc height of the lumbar spine. The superior vertebral endplate width is determined as the maximum distance of the superior endplate, measured from a tangentially drawn line connecting the lateralmost edges of the superior endplate ([Fig. 1A]). Similarly, the inferior vertebral endplate width is ascertained as the maximum distance of the inferior endplate, measured from a tangentially drawn line connecting the lateralmost edges of the inferior endplate. Moreover, the superior vertebral endplate depth (A-P width) is defined as the maximum distance of the superior endplate, measured from a perpendicular line drawn from the anteriormost edge of the superior endplate to the posterior edge of the superior endplate ([Fig. 1A]). Likewise, the inferior vertebral endplate depth (A-P width) is defined as the maximum distance of the inferior endplate, measured from a perpendicular line drawn from the anteriormost edge of the inferior endplate to the posterior edge of the inferior endplate. Finally, the intervertebral disc height is defined as the maximum distance of the intervertebral disc, measured from a vertical line drawn from the inferior endplate of the cephalad vertebra to the superior endplate of the caudal vertebra ([Fig. 1B]). The data will be reported using the mean and standard deviation (SD). An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was employed to assess the reliability of the measurements. Given that a single observer (T.P. for blinding) conducted all the measurements, a two-way random-effects model with absolute agreement analysis was utilized.

Fig. 1 (A, B) Measurement of superior vertebral endplate depth is defined as the maximum distance of the superior endplate, measured from the perpendicular line drawn from the anteriormost edge of the superior endplate (a) to the posterior edge of the superior endplate (b). Measurement of superior vertebral endplate width is defined as the maximum distance of the superior endplate, measured from the line drawn tangentially from the lateralmost edge of the superior endplate (c) to another lateralmost edge of the superior endplate (d). Measurement of the intervertebral disc height is defined as the maximum distance of the intervertebral disc, measured from the vertical line drawn from the inferior endplate of the cephalad vertebra (e) to the superior endplate of the caudal vertebra (f).

 

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Results

A total of 91 digitized CT images encompassing 455 lumbar spine vertebrae were subject to measurement. The cohort comprised 52 males (57.1%) and 39 females (42.86%), with a mean age of 46.0 years (SD = 13.7), ranging from 17 to 69 years. The reliability analysis exhibited an ICC value of 1.00 across all measurements. [Table 1] succinctly presents the mean values, SDs, and range of data for the lumbar spine (L1–L5) derived from measurements of axial and sagittal CT images of the 91 subjects.

Table 1 The mean measurements of various anatomical dimensions, encompassing SVEW, SVED, IVEW, IVED, and IVDH derived from a cohort of 91 subjects

Parameters (mm)	Females	Males	t-test	Overall
L1
SVEW	39 ± 2.7 (33.7–45.2)	43.3 ± 3.3 (36.6–51.0)	p < 0.001	41.4 ± 3.7 (33.7–51.0)
SVED	28.8 ± 2.5 (24.1–33.8)	31.6 ± 3.0 (25.1–41.0)	p < 0.001	30.4 ± 3.1 (24.1–41.0)
IVEW	40.4 ± 2.6 (35.9–47.3)	45.3 ± 3.3 (40.0–51.9)	p < 0.001	43.2 ± 3.9 (35.9–51.9)
IVED	29.7 ± 2.2 (24.3–34.1)	32.4 ± 3.1 (23.1–41.0)	p < 0.001	31.3 ± 3.0 (23.1–41.0)
IVDH (T12/L1)	9.3 ± 1.6 (5.7–12.5)	9.0 ± 1.6 (5.0–13.0)	p = 0.33	9.1 ± 1.6 (5.0–13.0)
L2
SVEW	40.6 ± 2.5 (34.9–46.8)	45.8 ± 3.2 (38.9–52.9)	p < 0.001	43.6 ± 3.9 (34.9–52.9)
SVED	30.2 ± 2.5 (26.0–38.8)	33.1 ± 2.7 (26.6–41.3)	p < 0.001	31.8 ± 3.0 (26.0–41.3)
IVEW	42.7 ± 3.1 (36.0–50.0)	47.7 ± 3.5 (41.1–55.7)	p < 0.001	45.6 ± 4.1 (36.0–55.7)
IVED	31.9 ± 3.0 (26.0–41.3)	34.2 ± 2.7 (28.0–41.6)	p < 0.001	33.2 ± 3.0 (26.0–41.6)
IVDH (L1/L2)	10.1 ± 1.8 (6.6–13.7)	10.0 ± 1.7 (6.1–14.0)	p = 0.93	10.0 ± 1.7 (6.1–14.0)
L3
SVEW	43.1 ± 3.1 (35.4–48.4)	48.1 ± 3.7 (38.0–55.8)	p < 0.001	45.9 ± 4.2 (35.4–55.8)
SVED	31.8 ± 2.7 (22.5–37.4)	34.4 ± 2.3 (28.6–39.6)	p < 0.001	33.3 ± 2.8 (22.5–39.6)
IVEW	45.4 ± 3.3 (37.8–53.3)	50.5 ± 3.8 (42.2–58.4)	p < 0.001	48.3 ± 4.4 (37.8–58.4)
IVED	32.1 ± 2.2 (27.1–36.4)	35.0 ± 2.2 (30.0–40.2)	p < 0.001	33.7 ± 2.6 (27.1–40.2)
IVDH (L2/L3)	10.4 ± 2.0 (5.2–14.4)	11.8 ± 2.0 (6.7–16.6)	p = 0.001	11.2 ± 2.1 (5.2–16.6)
L4
SVEW	45.2 ± 3.4 (36.4–54.0)	49.6 ± 3.6 (40.7–57.7)	p < 0.001	47.7 ± 4.1 (36.4–57.7)
SVED	32.4 ± 2.2 (28.6–38.2)	35.0 ± 2.5 (29.0–42.2)	p < 0.001	33.9 ± 2.7 (28.6–42.2)
IVEW	46.6 ± 3.2 (37.9–53.5)	51.3 ± 3.4 (42.7–58.4)	p < 0.001	49.3 ± 4.0 (37.9–58.4)
IVED	32.9 ± 1.9 (29.0–37.5)	35.8 ± 3.1 (30.0–46.6)	p < 0.001	34.6 ± 3.0 (29.0–46.6)
IVDH (L3/L4)	11.5 ± 2.0 (6.7–16.1)	12.5 ± 2.1 (8.2–19.8)	p = 0.04	12.1 ± 2.1 (6.7–19.8)
L5
SVEW	46.1 ± 3.4 (39.3–54.0)	50.8 ± 3.6 (44.1–59.5)	p < 0.001	48.8 ± 4.2 (39.3–59.5)
SVED	32.9 ± 3.3 (23.2–43.6)	35.8 ± 3.2 (29.1–45.5)	p < 0.001	34.5 ± 3.5 (23.2–45.5)
IVEW	46.8 ± 3.0 (40.8–53.9)	50.2 ± 3.2 (41.9–58.3)	p < 0.001	48.7 ± 3.5 (40.8–58.3)
IVED	33.5 ± 2.6 (27.9–40.8)	35.7 ± 3.1 (29.3–44.6)	p < 0.001	34.8 ± 3.1 (27.9–44.6)
IVDH (L4/L5)	11.5 ± 2.1 (6.7–15.9)	13.0 ± 2.2 (8.4–19.4)	p = 0.001	12.4 ± 2.3 (6.7–19.4)

Abbreviations: IVDH, intervertebral disc height; IVED, inferior vertebral endplate depth; IVEW, inferior vertebral endplate width; SVED, superior vertebral endplate depth; SVEW, superior vertebral endplate width.

Superior Vertebral Endplate Width

The mean dimensions of the superior vertebral endplate width were as follows: at L1, 39 ± 2.7 mm for females, 43.3 ± 3.3 mm for males, and 41.4 ± 3.7 mm overall; at L2, 40.6 ± 2.5 mm for females, 45.8 ± 3.2 mm for males, and 43.6 ± 3.9 mm overall; at L3, 43.1 ± 3.1 mm for females, 48.1 ± 3.7 mm for males, and 45.9 ± 4.2 mm overall; at L4, 45.2 ± 3.4 mm for females, 49.6 ± 3.6 mm for males, and 47.7 ± 4.1 mm overall; and at L5, 46.1 ± 3.4 mm for females, 50.8 ± 3.6 mm for males, and 48.8 ± 4.2 mm overall. The average superior vertebral endplate width of females was consistently smaller than that of males. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase in superior vertebral endplate width from L1 to L5 (p < 0.05).

 

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Inferior Vertebral Endplate Width

The mean dimensions of the inferior vertebral endplate width were as follows: at L1, 40.4 ± 2.6 mm for females, 45.3 ± 3.3 mm for males, and 43.2 ± 3.9 mm overall; at L2, 42.7 ± 3.1 mm for females, 47.7 ± 3.5 mm for males, and 45.6 ± 4.1 mm overall; at L3, 45.4 ± 3.3 mm for females, 50.5 ± 3.8 mm for males, and 48.3 ± 4.4 mm overall; at L4, 46.6 ± 3.2 mm for females, 51.3 ± 3.4 mm for males, and 49.3 ± 4.0 mm overall; and at L5, 46.8 ± 3.0 mm for females, 50.2 ± 3.2 mm for males, and 48.7 ± 3.5 mm overall. The mean inferior vertebral endplate width of females was found to be generally smaller than that of males. Additionally, there was a statistically significant increase in the inferior vertebral endplate width from L1 to L5 (p < 0.05).

 

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Superior Vertebral Endplate Depth (A-P Width)

The mean dimensions of the superior vertebral endplate depth at L1 were found to be 28.8 ± 2.5 mm in females and 31.6 ± 3.0 mm in males, with an overall measure of 30.4 ± 3.1 mm. At L2, the measurements were 30.2 ± 2.5 mm in females, 33.1 ± 2.7 mm in males, and 31.8 ± 3.0 mm overall. For L3, the dimensions were 31.8 ± 2.7 mm in females, 34.4 ± 2.3 mm in males, and 33.3 ± 2.8 mm overall. At L4, the measurements were 32.4 ± 2.2 mm in females, 35.0 ± 2.5 mm in males, and 33.9 ± 2.7 mm overall. Finally, at L5, the dimensions were 32.9 ± 3.3 mm in females, 35.8 ± 3.1 mm in males, and 34.5 ± 3.5 mm overall.

It was observed that the mean dimensions of the superior vertebral endplate depth were smaller in females compared with males. Moreover, the data indicated a statistically significant increase in the superior vertebral endplate depth from L1 to L5 (p < 0.05).

 

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Inferior Vertebral Endplate Depth (A-P Width)

The mean dimensions of the inferior vertebral endplate depth at L1 were 29.7 ± 2.2 mm for females, 32.4 ± 3.1 mm for males, and an overall of 31.3 ± 3.0 mm. At L2, the dimensions were 31.9 ± 3.0 mm for females, 34.2 ± 2.7 mm for males, and an overall of 33.2 ± 3.0 mm. At L3, the measurements were 32.1 ± 2.2 mm for females, 35.0 ± 2.2 mm for males, and an overall of 33.7 ± 2.6 mm. Moving to L4, the dimensions were 32.9 ± 1.9 mm for females, 35.8 ± 3.1 mm for males, and an overall of 34.6 ± 3.0 mm. Finally, at L5, the measurements were 33.5 ± 2.6 mm for females, 35.7 ± 3.1 mm for males, and an overall of 34.8 ± 3.1 mm. It was observed that the average inferior vertebral endplate depth in females was smaller than that in males. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase in the inferior vertebral endplate depth from L1 to L5 (p < 0.05).

 

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Intervertebral Disc Height

The mean intervertebral disc height at T12/L1 was 9.3 ± 1.6 mm in females and 9.0 ± 1.6 mm in males, with an overall average of 9.1 ± 1.6 mm. At L1/L2, the heights were 10.1 ± 1.8 mm in females, 10.0 ± 1.7 mm in males, and 10.0 ± 1.7 mm overall. Moving to L2/L3, the respective values increased to 10.4 ± 2.0 mm in females and 11.8 ± 2.0 mm in males, with an overall average of 11.2 ± 2.1 mm. Continuing to L3/L4, the values rose further to 11.5 ± 2.0 mm in females, 12.5 ± 2.1 mm in males, and an overall average of 12.1 ± 2.1 mm. Finally, at L4/L5, the heights were 11.5 ± 2.1 mm in females, 13.0 ± 2.2 mm in males, and an overall average of 12.4 ± 2.3 mm. Overall, there was a consistent increase in intervertebral disc height from T12/L1 to L4/L5. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in intervertebral disc heights at the T12/L1, L1/L2, and L3/L4 levels (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed at L2/L3 and L4/L5 (p < 0.05).

 

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Discussion

Over the past few decades, LLIF has emerged as a widely favored minimally invasive spinal procedure for addressing various spinal disorders. Initially introduced by Ozgur[6] in 2001, the primary goal of LLIF is to achieve indirect decompression of the neural elements, restore intervertebral disc height, and increase the central and foraminal canal diameter, while avoiding the significant complications associated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion, such as bowel or great vessel injuries, retrograde ejaculation, and arterial thromboembolism.[7] [8] [9] [10] [11] Additionally, to minimize operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and rates of muscular structure damage, stand-alone LLIF, a relatively trans-psoas approach of cage placement without supplemental fixation, may be employed. Nevertheless, a significant concern with this procedure is determining the appropriate cage size and location of cage placement, as improper placement can lead to several complications, including neural structure impingement or damage, cage migration, or cage subsidence.[12] [13]

Regev et al[14] observed a higher incidence of cage overhang when the insertion site is located in the anterior one-third of the disc space, potentially resulting in serious complications, such as impingement of the retroperitoneal vessels, retroperitoneal seromas, hematomas, and radiculitis of adjacent nerve roots. Conversely, undersized cage placement can lead to postoperative cage subsidence, resulting in potential loss of indirect decompression due to bony structure collapse and condensation around the interbody cage.[15] [16] [17] Furthermore, the rate of subsidence depends on the cage width, with Le et al[18] reporting a 14.1% subsidence rate using an 18-mm wide cage compared with only 1.9% when using a 22-mm wide cage. It is widely agreed that proper cage placement involves using a large cage length and lateral placement to maximize contact with cortical bone, ensuring that the implant spans the lateral borders of the ring apophysis.[5] There is also a consensus that the cage center should lie within the middle 20% of the vertebral body, based on available semiquantitative data in the literature.[19] [20] [21] However, consensus on the proper size of the cage width in stand-alone LLIF has not been reached.

To reduce subsidence in LLIF, one of the major concerns for this issue is the cage dimensions.[22] According to Le et al,[18] the appropriate cage length is contingent on the distance of the periphery of the end plates. It becomes pertinent only if the implant does not fully reach the peripheral endplate. Hence, the width of the cage holds greater significance than the length, as the increased width provides enhanced biomechanical advantages, unlike the increased length. Prior literature has indicated that subsidence is linked to a low footplate-to-vertebral body endplate ratio (<0.5), low bone mineral density, and nonsupplemented fusion.[2] [23] [24] [25] [26] Currently, there are three standard wide cage sizes—18, 22, and 26 mm—for the LLIF procedure. Custom-made width cages are not widely adopted and pose challenges in production ([Fig. 2]). Lang et al[2] conducted an analysis on the implementation of a 26-mm wide cage in nine Caucasian patients for stand-alone LLIF, comparing the outcomes with previous cases using 18 and 22-mm wide cages. Their study established that using a 26-mm wide cage significantly reduced the incidence of cage subsidence compared with the 18- and 22-mm wide cages.

Fig. 2 (A. B) An axial computed tomographic image showed an 18-mm wide cage position following the LLIF procedure performed on a Thai patient (A). Measurement of intervertebral endplate depth (a–b) was 30.4 mm, intervertebral endplate width (c–d) was 45.2 mm, and calculating of footplate-to-vertebral body endplate ratio was 0.6 (B). LLIF, lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

The morphological parameters of the lumbar spine have been described previously, but most of the studies have been conducted on Caucasian subjects.[27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] Only a few studies were evaluated in Mongolian subjects.[39] [40] [41]

Our study demonstrated that the width of the superior vertebral endplate is consistently smaller than that of the inferior vertebral endplate within the same vertebra. Additionally, the width of the vertebral endplate generally exhibits an increasing trend toward the lower vertebral levels. In this examination, the range of vertebral endplate depth varied from 22.5 to 46.6 mm. Overall, the inferior vertebral endplate exhibited a greater depth compared with the superior vertebral endplate within the same vertebra. Nevertheless, the average depth of the superior and inferior vertebral endplates was found to be similar within the same disc space level.

Based on the geometrical features of lumbar vertebrae documented in previous literature, [Table 2] presents a comparison of the various parameters measured in our study with those from previous studies. Our findings reveal similarities in the morphometric characteristics of lumbar vertebrae between Caucasian subjects and our research cohort. Consequently, it is suggested that a 26-mm wide cage may be appropriate for stand-alone LLIF in the Asian population.

Table 2 A comparative analysis of the average measurements of the SVEW, SVED, IVEW, IVED, and IVDH

Parameters (mm)	Panjabi et al[27]	Berry et al[28]	Wang et al[29]	Tan et al[39]	Current study
L1
SVEW	41.2 ± 1.0	45.2 ± 4.6	45.3 ± 3.7	42.7 ± 0.4	41.4 ± 3.7
SVED	34.1 ± 1.3	31.9 ± 3.7	34.8 ± 3.2	32.3 ± 0.5	30.4 ± 3.1
IVEW	43.3 ± 0.8	49.1 ± 3.7	47.6 ± 4.0	46.2 ± 0.6	43.2 ± 3.9
IVED	35.3 ± 1.3	32.3 ± 3.5	33.5 ± 2.9	33.6 ± 0.6	31.3 ± 3.0
IVDH (T12/L1)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	9.1 ± 1.6
L2
SVEW	42.6 ± 0.7	47.7 ± 4.7	47.0 ± 3.5	44.9 ± 0.5	43.6 ± 3.9
SVED	34.6 ± 1.1	33.3 ± 3.7	35.7 ± 2.3	33.3 ± 0.6	31.8 ± 3.0
IVEW	45.5 ± 1.1	54.8 ± 4.8	50.3 ± 3.6	48.6 ± 0.4	45.6 ± 4.1
IVED	34.9 ± 0.7	33.4 ± 3.4	36.2 ± 2.8	34.4 ± 0.6	33.2 ± 3.0
IVDH (L1/L2)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	10.0 ± 1.7
L3
SVEW	44.1 ± 0.9	49.6 ± 3.2	48.0 ± 3.1	47.0 ± 0.4	45.9 ± 4.2
SVED	35.2 ± 1.1	33.9 ± 3.3	35.7 ± 3.1	35.2 ± 0.3	33.3 ± 2.8
IVEW	48.0 ± 1.2	53.8 ± 3.7	51.5 ± 3.4	51.2 ± 0.4	48.3 ± 4.4
IVED	34.8 ± 1.2	34.2 ± 3.3	35.6 ± 2.8	35.6 ± 0.7	33.7 ± 2.6
IVDH (L2/L3)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	11.2 ± 2.1
L4
SVEW	46.6 ± 1.2	51.2 ± 5.6	51.3 ± 3.7	49.4 ± 0.2	47.7 ± 4.1
SVED	35.5 ± 0.9	34.9 ± 3.4	35.8 ± 2.8	36.3 ± 0.6	33.9 ± 2.7
IVEW	49.5 ± 1.4	50.9 ± 4.6	53.6 ± 3.7	53.3 ± 0.6	49.3 ± 4.0
IVED	33.9 ± 0.9	35.6 ± 3.1	36.1 ± 2.8	35.6 ± 0.7	34.6 ± 3.0
IVDH (L3/L4)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	12.1 ± 2.1
L5
SVEW	47.3 ± 1.2	53.4 ± 4.4	53.0 ± 4.1	48.9 ± 0.4	48.8 ± 4.2
SVED	34.7 ± 1.2	35.1 ± 2.8	35.5 ± 2.9	35.8 ± 0.6	34.5 ± 3.5
IVEW	49.4 ± 1.4	52.7 ± 4.3	52.3 ± 4.7	51.4 ± 0.5	48.7 ± 3.5
IVED	33.2 ± 0.9	34.5 ± 3.0	34.7 ± 3.2	33.8 ± 0.5	34.8 ± 3.1
IVDH (L4/L5)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	12.4 ± 2.3

Abbreviations: IVDH, intervertebral disc height; IVED, inferior vertebral endplate depth; IVEW, inferior vertebral endplate width; N/A, not available; SVED, superior vertebral endplate depth; SVEW, superior vertebral endplate width.

Our study has some limitations. Primarily, the data were derived from individuals visiting a single institution, which may result in variances in morphometric parameters between our demographic and patients from diverse geographic regions. Additionally, potential measurement errors exist; however, we mitigated this concern by averaging three measurements and conducting ICC analysis, which demonstrated strong correlations across all parameters. Finally, our study solely focuses on the morphometrics of the vertebral body without clinical application, underscoring the necessity for further clinical investigations.

 

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Conclusion

This study has compiled a dataset detailing the morphometric characteristics of lumbar vertebrae within the Asian population. Results indicate that the dimensions of lumbar vertebrae in this study align closely with those observed in previous studies on the Caucasian population. This data could potentially inform surgical strategizing and aid in the selection of appropriately sized wide cages for stand-alone LLIF procedures within the Asian demographic.

 

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Conflict of Interest

None declared.

Ethical Approval

The study was approved by the ethics committee of Lerdsin Hospital.

• References

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Publication History

Article published online:
02 December 2024