Computed tomographic osteometry of the Asian lumbar spine.

The computed tomography (CT) scans of 100 adult Chinese patients 18-60 years of age were studied to provide osteometric data on the Asian lumbar spine. The study population was composed of 63 men and 37 women. A total of 29 parameters were measured from each vertebral level. All the data were statistically analyzed for differences between men and women and left and right sides for paired structures. The data then were compared with data for white individuals where available. The results show that for Asians there is a significant sex difference (p < 0.001) for vertebral body and disk dimensions but not for the posterior elements or spinal canal. Compared with white individuals, Asians have a smaller vertebral body and a different spinal canal shape, with the lower part of the canal in relation to the vertebral body being narrowest. Such findings are of significance to the radiologist, to the surgeon, and in the design of instruments and implants for the Asian lumbar spine.