Morphometric Study of Dried Thoracic Vertebrae of the Human Cadavers

Introduction: the aim of this anatomical investigation was to study the morphometry of the thoracic vertebrae and their foramen in cadaveric dried collections. Material and Methods: this present descriptive cross-sectional study included 100 adult cadaveric dry thoracic vertebrae. The digital Vernier calipers was used to perform the measurements. The vertebral body height, antero-posterior length at superior and inferior borders, transverse length, interpedicular distance at the lateral ends, lamina length, height and thickness, superior and inferior articular facet height and width, mid sagittal and transverse diameter of vertebral foramen, pedicle width, thickness, length, chord length, length, width and thickness of transverse process were measured. Results: the anteroposterior length of the vertebral body was more at the inferior border than at the superior border (p < 0.001). The length of lamina, width of inferior articular facet and thickness of transverse process were more on the right side than the left side (p < 0.001). The height of inferior articular facet, pedicle length, chord length and width of transverse process were greater for the left side than the right side (p < 0.01). The remaining parameters, which were compared on the right and left sides did not show the statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusion: this investigation offered the measurements of important dimensions of thoracic vertebrae, which are essential in the clinical practice. The implants at the vertebrae need to be manufactured based on the anatomical dimensions of vertebrae of at particular sample population.