title: Human lumbar vertebrae. Quantitative three-dimensional anatomy.
abstract: This study details the quantitative three-dimensional surface anatomy of human lumbar vertebrae based on a study of 60 vertebrae. The two lower vertebrae (L4 and L5) appeared to be transitional toward the sacral region, whereas the upper two vertebrae (L1 and L2) were transitional toward the thoracic region. Means and standard errors of the means for linear, angular, and area dimensions of vertebral bodies, spinal canal, pedicle, pars interarticularis, spinous and transverse processes were obtained for all lumbar vertebrae. This information provides a better understanding of the spine, and allows for a more precise clinical diagnosis and surgical management of spinal problems. The information is also necessary for constructing accurate mathematical models of the human spine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Panjabi
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Goel
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oxland
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takata
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Duranceau
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krag
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D003196:Computer Graphics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology