TOMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF C7, T1 AND T2 VERTEBRAE ANATOMY IN CHILDREN

ESTUDO TOMOGRÁFICO DAS VÉRTEBRAS C7, T1 E T2 EM CRIANÇAS

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate and compare anatomical measurements of C7, T1 and T2 vertebrae in children from 3 to 12 years of age to provide useful epidemiological data for determining the safe anatomical margin for transpedicular and translaminar fixation with screws in this population.

Methods:

This observational retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 76 computed tomography scans obtained over 6 months, analyzing the following parameters: the angle of attack, length, thickness and diameter of the pedicle; and the angle of attack, length and thickness of the lamina.

Results:

The lamina length and thickness, as well as pedicle length varied in size according to age. Although the angle of attack was similar across different ages, age-dependent variation occurred in the T1 vertebra.

Conclusion:

Screws with a 3.5 mm diameter are safe to use in the C7 and T2 pedicles, while the T1 pedicle allows the introduction of larger screws ranging from 3.5-4.5 mm in diameter. In the lamina, 3.5 mm screws are safe for use only in children older than 7 years. However, each case should be analyzed individually, with the present study not aiming to replace the preoperative use of CT. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective comparative study.

Keywords:
Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Cervical Vertebrae; Retrospective Studies