Abstract

 

Objectives: The aim of the study is to use computed tomography to determine the average pedicle diameter in the

thoracic region of Turkish population and to guide determination of appropriate screw diameter.

Methods: The transverse pedicle diameters of all thoracic vertebrae from Th1 to Th12 were measured in 98

patients (52 men, 46 women) referred for computed tomography examination of thorax.

Results: The pedicle diameter of males varied between 1.6 mm (at Th6 level) to 10.7 (at Th12 level). While it was

between 1.6 mm (at Th6 level) to 8.5 (at Th12 level) in females. The pedicle diameters of women were less than

men at all thoracic levels.

Conclusion: Pedicle diameter reveals prominent individual and segmental differences in the thoracic region.

Determination of screw diameter by using preoperative computed tomography will decrease the rate of

complications.

Key words: Pedicle diameter, Computed tomography, Thoracic vertebrae