Morphometric investigation of vertebrae prominens on computed tomography images

The aim of this study is to morphometrically evaluate the seventh cervical vertebra, known as the vertebra prominens, using computed tomography (CT) images and to determine the clinical applicability of the obtained data, particularly in surgical planning involving transpedicular screw placement. The study was conducted retrospectively using CT images obtained from the PACS system of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital, and images from 100 male and 100 female individuals were analyzed. Measurements were performed in sagittal and axial planes, and a total of 17 distinct morphometric parameters were evaluated. The mean anteroposterior length of the vertebral body was 15,01±1,79 mm in males and 12,98±1,47 mm in females; mean vertebral body height was 14,59±1,42 mm and 13,04±1,10 mm, respectively; mean vertebral body width was 31,18±2,43 mm and 29,05±2,18 mm; and the mean vertebral body area was 351,55±50,29 mm² in males and 282,48±41,07 mm² in females. The mean anteroposterior length of the vertebral foramen was 15,29±1,59 mm in males and 14,25±1,34 mm in females, while the mean area of the vertebral foramen was 278,57±45,54 mm² and 255,85±36,84 mm², respectively. The mean right and left pedicle widths were 7,16±0,95 mm and 7,01±0,90 mm in males, and 6,23±0,89 mm and 6,11±0,83 mm in females. The mean length of the spinous process was 33,06±4,61 mm in males and 28,81±3,01 mm in females; the mean distance between the transverse processes was 75,6±5,98 mm and 68,83±4,24 mm, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found between genders for the majority of these parameters. Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between age and some morphometric measurements; in particular, the mean vertebral vii body area and anteroposterior length increased with age, while transverse pedicle angles showed a negative correlation. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized anatomical planning in surgical interventions involving the vertebra prominens and provide valuable morphometric reference data to enhance the safety of transpedicular screw applications. Keywords: Vertebrae Prominens, Computed Tomography, Morphometry, Cervical Vertebrae