Computed Tomography Morphometry of the Lumbar Spine in Adults in Brazzaville

Context and Justification: Reconstructive spine surgery and the design of implants depend on disc and vertebral measurements, which vary according to racial groups and geographic areas. This variability underscores the importance of studying the morphometric characteristics specific to each population. Research Objective: The primary aim of this research was to determine the measurements of spinal components in the Congolese population in order to establish references suitable for local clinical practice. Materials and Methods: Congolese individuals, free from any spinal disorders, participated in a study on vertebral and disc morphology of the lumbar spine after providing informed consent. They underwent computed tomography examinations at medical imaging centers in Brazzaville. The parameters studied included: in axial sections, the transverse diameter (TDb) and sagittal diameter (SDb) of the vertebral bodies, the pedicular transverse diameter (TDp), and in sagittal reconstructions: the height of the vertebral bodies (Hb) and intervertebral discs (Hd). Results: The sample size consisted of 100 subjects (70 men and 30 women), with an average age of 24.47 ± 3.72 years (18 - 30 years). Cranio-caudally, the TDb, DSb, TDp, and Hd showed increasing values, while Hb values were decreasing. In L1, values for both sexes were: TDb = 39.3 ± 3 mm; DSb = 27.3 ± 2.9 mm; Hb = 26.6 ± 2.1 mm; TDp = 8.2 ± 1.8 mm; in L5: TDb = 50.3 ± 4 mm; DSb = 33.6 ± 2.7 mm; Hb = 25.7 ± 2.2 mm; TDp = 14.8 ± 2.1 mm. The Hd values were 8.1 ± 2.1 mm for L1 - L2 and 11.1 ± 2 mm for L5 - S1. Conclusion: Reconstructive spine surgery and the design of implants depend on disc and vertebral measurements, which vary according to racial groups and geographic areas. This variability underscores the importance of studying the morphometric characteristics specific to each population.