Morphometric study of the lumbar vertebrae in dried anatomical collections

Background

The objective of this anatomical study was to perform the morphometry of dried lumbar vertebrae in human cadavers.

Methods

This study utilized 200 adult human cadaveric dried lumbar vertebrae. The digital Vernier calipers was used to perform the measurements. The height, antero-posterior length, transverse length of the body of the vertebrae, interpedicular distance at the lateral ends, lamina length, height and thickness, superior and inferior articular facet height and width, mid sagittal and transverse diameter of vertebral foramen, height, width and thickness of the pars inter-articularis were measured.

Results

The vertebral body's anteroposterior length was more at the lower border than at the superior border ( p < 0.01). The length of lamina was higher over the right in comparison to the left (p < 0.001). The height of lamina, width of inferior articular facet, diameter of lateral recess and thickness of pars inter-articularis were greater for the left sided specimens ( p < 0.01). The statistical significance was not observed for the comparison of the remaining parameters ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This anatomical study offered several dimensions of lumbar vertebrae, which are essential in the surgical practice. The implants at the lumbar vertebrae need to be manufactured based on the anatomical dimensions of that particular sample population.

Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics with its surgical implications

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is largely (70-80%) produced by the choroids plexus of the ventricles and is considered as the plasma ultrafiltrate. While CSF formation, circulation, and composition appear to be physiological and physical, its absorption appears to be mainly physical. The formation, composition, circulation, absorption, and changes in pathological conditions of CSF are discussed briefly in this review article. The CSF pressure dynamics studies provide information about the tightness, elastance, or outflow resistance of the CSF in the CNS. We believe that the present study shall help to provide essential details of CSF physiology which are important to many disciplines including radiology, neurology, and neurosurgery.