3D digital anatomical measurements for clinical application of minimally invasive lumbar foraminal surgery in adolescents aged 12–21 years

Objective

The purpose of this study was to establish an anatomical foundation for minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery in adolescents by assessing the 3D anatomical parameters of the lumbar vertebrae in the age group of 12–21 years.

Methods

We collected CT data from 90 adolescents and performed 3D reconstructions using Mimics 16.0 software. The dimensions assessed included the height and sagittal diameter of the intervertebral foramen, as well as the length and widths of the transverse and spinous processes.

Results

The intervertebral foramen height exhibited variation corresponding to the vertebral level, being smallest at L5/S1 and largest at L3/4. The sagittal diameter of the intervertebral foramen increased with age, reaching a minimum at L1/2 and a maximum at L4/5. Significant gender differences were observed in the 12–14 age group, with females exhibiting larger measurements than males. The length and width of the transverse processes were maximal at L3 and L5, respectively. The spinous process length was greatest at L3 and smallest at L5, with notable gender differences present in the 12–14 and 19–21 age groups.

Conclusion

The study reveals that gender and age are significant factors influencing the anatomy of the adolescent lumbar spine, which is essential for the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our findings contribute valuable insights for the design and surgical planning of spinal devices tailored to adolescents.