Computed Tomographic Study of Occipital Thickness in Ethnic Malays
https://doi.org/10.5704/MOJ.2207.002
- Author:
Yusof MI
1
;
Sadagatullah AN
1
;
Johari J
1
;
Salim AA
1
;
Govindasamy M
2
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
2. Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
occipital mapping, cortical thickness, spinal instrumentation, computed tomogram study
- From:Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal
2022;16(No.2):15-22
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Occipitocervical fusion is performed to
address craniocervical and atlantoaxial instability. A screw of
at least 8mm is needed for biomechanical stability. Occipital
thickness of Malay ethnicity is unknown, and this study
presents the optimal screw placement positions for occiput
screw in this population. This was a retrospective crosssectional study of 100 Malays who underwent computed
tomography (CT) scan for brain assessment. To measure the
occipital bone thickness of Malay ethnicity at the area of
common screw placement for occipitocervical fusion. The
subject’s data was obtained from the institutional database
with consent from the administrations and the patients. None
of the patients had any head and neck pathology.
Materials and methods: The subject’s data was obtained
from the institutional database with consent from the
administrations and the patients. None of the patients had
any head and neck pathology. Computed tomography (CT)
of 100 Malay patients who underwent head and neck CT
were analysed, based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Measurements were taken using a specialised viewer
software where 55 points were measured, followed a grid
with 10mm distance using external occipital protuberance
(EOP) as the reference point.
Results: There were 57 males and 43 females of Malay
ethnicity with a mean age of 36.7 years analysed in this
study. The EOP was the thickest bone of the occiput which
measured 16.15mm. There was an area of at least 8mm
thickness up to 20mm on either side of the EOP, and at level
10mm inferior to the EOP. There is thickness of at least
8mm, up to 30mm inferior to the EOP at the midline. The
males have significantly thicker bone especially along the
midline compared to females.
Conclusion: Screws of at least 8mm can be safely inserted
in the Malay population at 20mm on either side of the EOP
at the level 10mm inferior to the EOP and up to 30mm
inferior to the EOP at the midline.
- Full text:16.2022my1244.pdf
