Search

Introduction: The radiological space between two vertebrae is known as intervertebral space (height) which corresponds to the thickness of the intervertebral disc. Lumbar intervertebral disc is the most important structure which maintains the spinal function. An early diagnosis of pathological changes in disc has clinical significance. Hence the study aimed to determine normal height of the intervertebral disc space and effect of aging. Methods: It was a cross-sectional analytical study performed on 106 images of MRI scans of lumbar region. Dimensions of lumbar intervertebral spaces (discs) such as the anterior, middle, posterior intervertebral space height were measured in millimeter. Results: The mean anterior intervertebral space height was gradually increased from L1-L2 level (6.91 mm) to L5-S1 level (13.55 mm). The middle intervertebral space height increased from L1-L2 level (7.89 mm) to L4-L5 level (11.96 mm) whereas at L5-S1 level, there was a decrease (11.10 mm). Similarly, the posterior intervertebral space height showed an increment from L1-L2 level (5.52 mm) to L4-L5 level (8.09 mm) except at L5-S1 level, where it was decreased (6.94 mm). All mean values were found to be higher in males than in females except posterior intervertebral space height. The height of disc was increased up to third or fourth decade followed by a decrease. Conclusion: Knowing the normal lumbar intervertebral space height could be helpful for clinicians to diagnose and plan for proper treatment. It may also help to generate baseline data and to produce proper devices for Nepalese population.

Introduction: The radiological space between two vertebrae is known as intervertebral space (height) which corresponds to the thickness of the intervertebral disc. Lumbar intervertebral disc is the most important structure which maintains the spinal function. An early diagnosis of pathological changes in disc has clinical significance. Hence the study aimed to determine normal height of the intervertebral disc space and effect of aging. Methods: It was a cross-sectional analytical study performed on 106 images of MRI scans of lumbar region. Dimensions of lumbar intervertebral spaces (discs) such as the anterior, middle, posterior intervertebral space height were measured in millimeter. Results: The mean anterior intervertebral space height was gradually increased from L1-L2 level (6.91 mm) to L5-S1 level (13.55 mm). The middle intervertebral space height increased from L1-L2 level (7.89 mm) to L4-L5 level (11.96 mm) whereas at L5-S1 level, there was a decrease (11.10 mm). Similarly, the posterior intervertebral space height showed an increment from L1-L2 level (5.52 mm) to L4-L5 level (8.09 mm) except at L5-S1 level, where it was decreased (6.94 mm). All mean values were found to be higher in males than in females except posterior intervertebral space height. The height of disc was increased up to third or fourth decade followed by a decrease. Conclusion: Knowing the normal lumbar intervertebral space height could be helpful for clinicians to diagnose and plan for proper treatment. It may also help to generate baseline data and to produce proper devices for Nepalese population.

Introduction: Nutrient foramen is the largest opening on the shaft of the femur that conveys nutrient artery into the marrow cavity. Knowledge on locations of nutrient foramina is essential during surgical procedures as well as to rule out if the fracture line passes through the foramina. The purpose of the study was to determine the number and position of nutrient foramina in relation to length and topography of the femur. Methods: The study model was descriptive, cross-sectional study that included 151 femurs (71 right and 80 left side). The total number, location, and direction of nutrient foramina were investigated. Total length of femur and distance of foramen from the proximal end was measured with the 500mm 20" Digital Vernier Nib Jaw Caliper Metric/ Imperial Machine-DRO and finally Foraminal Index was calculated. Results: The analysis revealed 119(78.81%) of the femurs with single nutrient foramen, 31(20.52%) with double and 1(0.67%) with triple nutrient foramina. Foraminal Index II was found in 74(86.05%) on right side and 90(91.84%) on left side. The most common location of nutrient foramen was the medial lip of linea aspera (n= 77, 41.85%). All of the foramina were directed towards the proximal end. Conclusion: The present study has reported the majority of nutrient foramina located in the middle third of femur along the linea aspera. Thus, linea aspera should not be stripped off during surgical procedures to avoid damage to the nutrient arteries.

Introduction: Nutrient foramen is the largest opening on the shaft of the femur that conveys nutrient artery into the marrow cavity. Knowledge on locations of nutrient foramina is essential during surgical procedures as well as to rule out if the fracture line passes through the foramina. The purpose of the study was to determine the number and position of nutrient foramina in relation to length and topography of the femur. Methods: The study model was descriptive, cross-sectional study that included 151 femurs (71 right and 80 left side). The total number, location, and direction of nutrient foramina were investigated. Total length of femur and distance of foramen from the proximal end was measured with the 500mm 20" Digital Vernier Nib Jaw Caliper Metric/ Imperial Machine-DRO and finally Foraminal Index was calculated. Results: The analysis revealed 119(78.81%) of the femurs with single nutrient foramen, 31(20.52%) with double and 1(0.67%) with triple nutrient foramina. Foraminal Index II was found in 74(86.05%) on right side and 90(91.84%) on left side. The most common location of nutrient foramen was the medial lip of linea aspera (n= 77, 41.85%). All of the foramina were directed towards the proximal end. Conclusion: The present study has reported the majority of nutrient foramina located in the middle third of femur along the linea aspera. Thus, linea aspera should not be stripped off during surgical procedures to avoid damage to the nutrient arteries.