BACKGROUNDSafe placement of the screws is a critical aspect of trans-pedicle internal fixation, and little information on in vivo morphology of the cervical vertebrae pedicle measured with imaging methods is available. The aim of this study was to measure the dimensions of cervical vertebrae C3 to C7 and provide screw length, screw diameter and tilt angle for clinical cervical vertebra trans-pedicle internal fixation.

METHODSThirty Chinese men and women underwent high-speed spiral computed tomography measurements to obtain data for C3 to C7, and the morphology of the cervical vertebra pedicles was reconstructed.

RESULTSReconstructed computer tomography image data revealed that: (1) pedicle sponge width increased incrementally from C3 to C7, (2) pedicle depth was similar for C3 to C7, (3) pedicle angle decreased incrementally from 47.20° to 33.76° for C3 to C7, and (4) pedicle point to midline distance was similar for C3 to C7. There were no statistical differences in morphological data between the right and the left side. Men had statistically larger values than women for all morphological parameters.

CONCLUSIONSReconstructed computed tomography images can provide useful data for clinical cervical vertebra trans-pedicle internal fixation. The individual measurement of cervical vertebra pedicles is recommended for safe placement of trans-vertebra pedicle screws.