Abstract
Background Lumbar spine morphometry varies across populations and can influence clinical and surgical outcomes. Classical morphometric indices, while informative, may not fully capture subtle anatomical variations between individuals. Objective This study aimed to document extended Computed Tomography (CT) - derived morphometric indices of the lumbar spine in a Nigerian adult population, providing a refined assessment of structural differences between degenerative and non-pathologic (control) conditions. Methods This retrospective case-control study included 61 participants (37 control, 24 degenerative). Lumbar CT images (≤1 mm, 120 kVp) were analyzed using RadiAnt® and Vitrea. Vertebral, pedicle, and foraminal measurements were used to derive extended CT-derived morphometric indices: Vertebral Strength Index (VSI), Vertebral Shape Ratio (VSR), Pedicle Safety Angle Index (PSAI), and Pedicle-Foraminal Occupancy Index (PFOI). Group differences were assessed using independent t-tests and paired t-tests for the bilateral comparisons in IBM SPSS version 25.0 Statistics (p < 0.05). Results Degenerative participants (58.3 ± 9.1 years) were significantly older than controls (42.6 ± 8.4 years; p < 0.001). Cross-sectional area (CSA) decreased at L1 (p < 0.001) but increased at L4 (p = 0.013–0.021). Extended CT-derived morphometric indices showed significant differences across multiple levels, with lower VSR and altered VSI, PSAI, and PFOI in degeneration (p < 0.001–0.043). Conclusion Extended CT-derived morphometric indices provide a refined and practical approach to characterize spinal structural differences between control and degenerative cohorts. These extended indices can serve as useful quantitative tools for assessing degenerative spinal changes in both clinical and research settings, complement classical morphometric indices, and may provide valuable guidance for surgical planning.
Cite this
Mustapha Akajewole Masud; N. O. Ajayi; Mutaleeb Ayodele Shobode; Nasiru Musa Tahir; Adamu Muhammad Saidu; Lelika Lazarus; Mustapha Masoud, (2026), Extended computed tomography-derived morphometric indices of the lumbar spine in West African adults: A case-control study, Translational Research in Anatomy, 43, 100494-100494