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This paper details the quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae (C3-T12) of Chinese Singaporean subjects based on 220 vertebrae from 10 cadavers. The purpose of the study was to measure the linear dimensions, angulations and areas of individual vertebra, and to compare the data with similar studies performed on Caucasian specimens. Measurements were taken with the aid of a three-dimensional digitiser. The means and standard errors for linear, angular and area dimensions of the vertebral body, spinal canal, pedicle, and spinous and transverse processes were obtained for each vertebra. Compared to the Caucasian data, all the dimensions were found to be smaller. Of significance were the spinal canal area, and pedicle width and length, which were smaller by 31.7%, 25.7% and 22.1% on average, respectively. A slight divergence, instead of convergence, was found from T8 to T12. According to the findings, the use of a transpedicle screw may not be feasible. The results can also provide more accurate modelling for analysis and design of spinal implants and instrumentations, and also allow more precise clinical diagnosis and management of the spine in Chinese Singaporeans.

This paper details the quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of lumbar vertebrae L1-L5 from Asian (Singaporean) subjects based on 60 lumbar vertebrae from 12 cadavers. The purpose of the study was to measure the dimensions of the various parameters of the lumbar vertebrae and thereafter to compare the data with a study performed on Caucasian specimens. Measurements were taken with the aid of a three-dimensional digitiser. The means and standard errors for linear, angular and area dimensions of the vertebral body, spinal canal, pedicle, and spinous and transverse processes were obtained for each lumbar vertebra. From this comparison, it was found that the dimensions of the vertebral body of the Asian subjects are slightly larger, with a maximum average difference of 8% for the posterior vertebral body height. The dimensions of the spinal canal, pedicle, and spinous and transverse processes of Asian subjects are smaller. The greatest difference can be found in the spinal canal area and pedicle width, which are smaller by an average of 30% and 20%, respectively. With the exception of the spinal canal depth, spinal canal area and pedicle width, all other parameters compared show a similar trend. The findings can provide more accurate modelling for analysis and spinal implant design and also allow more precise clinical diagnosis in sub-Asian groups.