Lumbar pedicle morphology in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Using computed tomography of lumbar spine pedicles, pedicle morphology was documented in 30 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Lumbar pedicles are relatively symmetrical in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; however, a statistically significant difference was found between males and females at L2-L4. A trend for increased transverse pedicle width was observed on the concavity versus the convexity. At levels L3-L5, 90% of the pedicles were >5.5 mm but pedicles Li and 12 were smaller, only >5.5 mm in 34% and 42%, respectively. Safe insertion of 5.5-mm screws is possible at 13-15, but more cephalic pedicles necessitate caution.