Statistical analysis of computed anatomical lumbar model shapes

This work presents a morphological analysis of the first to fifth lumbar vertebrae seen in 52 Koreans using computer tomography data. In this study, the upper/lower end-plate width (EPWu/EPWl), upper/lower end-plate depth (WPDu/EPDl) and anterior/posterior height (VBHa/VBHp) of the lumbar vertebrae dimensions were calculated using a computational approach. Comparing the results of these dimensions in Korean males with females, the EPWu, EPWl, EPDu and EPDl of males were larger than in females; however, the VBHa and VBHp of males were similarly sized to those of females. Furthermore, standard vertebrae seen in Caucasians have larger diameters and heights than those seen in Koreans. Even among Asians, Chinese Singaporean forms had smaller end-plate lumbar vertebrae than Koreans. The results of this lumbar spinal morphology analysis can be used to develop improved medical devices and appropriate surgical techniques for Koreans.