Computed tomography morphometry of the vertebral body, spinal canal, and Torg ratio of the sub-axial cervical spine of adult Ugandans.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Sagittal morphometry of the subaxial cervical spine is useful for diagnosis and preoperative planning. However, variations exist with age, sex, and ethnicity, necessitating population-specific baseline values. This study aimed to describe the morphometry of the vertebral body, spinal canal, and Torg ratio of adult Ugandans’ subaxial cervical spine using CT scans.

Methods: This cross-sectional study on cervical spine CT scans was conducted at Mulago and Nsambya Hospitals. The mid-sagittal diameters of the vertebral body (Dv) and spinal canal (Ds), were measured using the Radiant DICOM version 22.0 and the Torg ratio (TR) obtained by diving Ds through Dv. Data were analyzed using STATA 17.0, summarized as medians and interquartile ranges, and compared with age and sex using Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal Wallis tests. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: A total of 2110 vertebrae from C3 to C7 from CT scan images of 300 males and 122 females, with a median age of 31 (25-41) years were examined. The average Dv and Ds were 15.89 (15.07 — 16.67) mm and 13.83 (13.10 — 14.60) mm respectively, higher among males. The average TR was 0.88, similar for both sexes. Dv significantly increased while Ds and TR decreased with age.

Conclusions: Males have higher Dv, and Ds while TR is similar for both sexes. These measurements also vary significantly with age and should be considered for preoperative planning and screening for developmental cervical stenosis among the adult Ugandan population.