Authors: Hong Chen Jian Zhong Jixiang Tan Dandong Wu Dianming Jiang
Publish Date: 2013/04/24
Volume: 22, Issue: 7, Pages: 1570-1575
Abstract
Construct subsidence is a relatively common complication following anterior cervical fusion Its occurrence has been revealed to be closely related to endplateimplant contact interface But current literature focusing on the anatomy of cervical endplate is very scarce The purpose of this morphometric study was to analyse the sagittal geometry especially the concavity and slope of vertebral endplates from C3 to C7 by employing data from CT scansReformatted CT scans of 97 individuals were analyzed and endplate concavity depth endplate concavity apex location as well as endplate slope were measured in midsagittal plane Those specific parameters were compared among different age and gender groups Meanwhile comparison between superior and inferior endplate of each vertebra was also performedAge and gender did not influence endplate concavity depth endplate concavity apex location or endplate slope significantly P 005 Endplate concavity depths of superior endplates range 09–12 mm were significantly smaller than those of inferior endplates range 21–27 mm Endplate concavity apex was always located in the posterior half of the endplate with the superior one ranged from 56 to 67 and the inferior one 52 to 57 Average endplate slopes of superior endplates were between 45° and 90° and average inferior endplate slopes ranged from 45° to 75° Among all measured segments C5 had the largest endplate slope values while C7 the leastSuperior endplate is more flat than its inferior counterpart in middle and lower cervical spine and the concavity apex is always located in the posterior half of the endplate Endplate slope is correlated with cervical curvature greater slope implying more significant lordosis These sagittal endplate geometrical parameters should be taken into consideration when investigating implant subsidence following anterior cervical fusion
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