Determining the Optimal Length and Safety of Pedicle Screws in the T12 Vertebra: A Morphometric Study

Introduction: Despite the developments in implant technology and imaging methods and the advances in surgical techniques, there are still potential problems and complications of transpedicular screw application. This is a morphometric study to examine the proximity of the T12 vertebra to the thoracic aorta. Our aim was to define the appropriate length of the pedicle screw to be used in the 12(th) thoracic vertebra, using computed tomography (CT) data. Methods: Randomly selected cases from the same ethnic group in a specific age group were examined in terms of the length from the anterior vertebral body and the screw entry point of the T12 vertebra to the thoracic aorta. In light of these data, a statistical analysis was made for the selection of the most appropriate screw length. Results: A statistically significant difference was detected in the distance from the T12 left screw entry point to the aorta between males and females (p=0.001). No statistically significant correlation was found between age and the distance between the left screw entry point and the aorta (p=0.105). Also, no statistically significant difference was detected between the T12 vertebral body-aorta distance in males and in females (p=0.212). The relationship between the shortest aorta-vertebral body distance and age was not statistically significant (p=0.7). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between the left screw entry point-aorta distance and the aorta-vertebral body shortest distance (p=0.731). Conclusions: Significant differences were observed between males and females in terms of the distance between the T12 vertebra left screw entry point and the thoracic aorta (p=0.001). Thus, we can assert the need for the preoperative evaluation of patients with computed tomography in selecting the appropriate screw length and avoiding complications.