Analysis of anatomical and anthropometric parameters of vertebrae in children with thoracic idiopathic scoliosis using 3D-CT-navigation

Objective. To analyze anatomical and anthropometric parameters of vertebrae measured by a navigation system in chil- dren with thoracic idiopathic scoliosis. Material and Methods. A total of 20 patients aged 14–18 years with Grade 3 and 4 (according to V.D. Chaklin classifica- tion) right-sided thoracic idiopathic scoliosis were examined. Anatomical and anthropometric features of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were assessed using CT data in the navigation system. The total Cobb angle of scoliotic curve, rotation of apical and periapical vertebrae, external transverse and longitudinal diameters of the roots of vertebral arches at the T2– L5 levels, and the coefficients of asymmetry of vertebral bone structures were determined. Results. The angle of scoliosis deformity ranged from 33.7° to 107.9° (mean: 61.4°), the angle of rotation of the apical verte- bra – from 9.3° to 40.2° (mean: 21.09°). Positive correlation between the magnitude of scoliotic arch deformity and asymme- try coefficients of longitudinal diameter of the arch roots of the apical vertebrae was found. A pronounced asymmetry of right and left transverse diameters of arch roots of the T3–T4 vertebrae, despite the absence of structural compensatory counter curve and torsional changes in these vertebrae. Conclusion. There are certain regularities and correlations between the type of idiopathic scoliosis and the absolute and relative values of vertebral parameters not only at the top of the curve, but also throughout the whole curvature arch.