Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA
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The lower cervical pedicle size differs between the Chinese and the non-Chinese population. Knowledge of pedicle dimensions and surface landmarks is crucial for the safe placement of screws, but few quantitative data concerning the lower cervical pedicle using CT scan and multiplanar reformations (MPR) in a Chinese population exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate lower cervical pedicle (C3-C7) dimensions in a Chinese population by computed axial tomography for surgical application. ⋯ The cervical spinal cord or vertebral artery may be at risk of injury if the angulation of the screw insert is over-medial or over-lateral in the transverse plane. Therefore, preoperative CT evaluation of pedicle transverse angle is very important. Considering the amount of variation among individuals, our data on CT measurements of pedicle in a Chinese population in conjunction with evaluation of the results of preoperative CT may enhance the safety of transpedicular screw fixation in the lower cervical spine.
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The complex architecture of the anterior clinoid process (ACP), which is usually removed during the surgical elimination of tumors or aneurysms of sellar region, has surgical importance. For effective clinoidectomy, a neurosurgeon must have the prior knowledge of anatmoical variations of ACP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dimensions and variation in the shape of ACP in dry adult skulls of South Indian origin. ⋯ The result of the present investigation suggests that ACPs of South Indian skulls are highly variable and, are marginally larger and thicker than ACPs of Nepalese and Korean origin.