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 lu mbar 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 w omen and left and right sides for paired structures. The data then wer e compared with data for white individuals where available. The result s show that for Asians there is a significant sex difference (p < 0.00 1) for vertebral body and disk dimensions but not for the posterior el ements or spinal canal. Compared with white individuals, Asians have a smaller vertebral body and a different spinal canal shape, with the l ower part of the canal in relation to the vertebral body being narrowe st. Such findings are of significance to the radiologist, to the surge on, and in the design of instruments and implants for the Asian lumbar spine.