Quantitative anatomy of the endplate of the middle and lower cervical vertebrae in Koreans

Study Design. Assessment of the size and shape of cervical vertebral endplates in Koreans. Objective. To obtain data regarding cervical vertebrae and propose an appropriate size for artificial discs in Koreans. Summary of Background Data. The use of various types of cervical artificial discs has increased in recent years; hence, it is important to develop endplate implants of appropriate size. In this study, we determined the quantitative anatomy of cervical endplates in Koreans and proposed a new angular parameter. Methods. This study details the quantitative surface anatomy of the middle and lower cervical vertebral endplates based on the study of 272 cervical vertebrae in Korean cadavers. Computed tomographic images were obtained from 57 Korean cadavers (28 males and 29 females). The mean age and height were 51.14 years (range, 21-60 years) and 161 cm (range, 146-175 cm), respectively. The images were reconstructed, and linear parameters (EPWu, upper endplate width; EPDu, upper endplate depth; EPWl, lower endplate width; and EPDl, lower endplate depth) and an angular parameter (AUA, anterior wall to uncovertebral joint angle) were measured. Results. The width and depth of both the upper and lower endplates increased from C3 through C7. The EPDu, EPWl, and EPDl values of Koreans were similar to those reported in whites, while the EPWu value in this study were smaller than those reported in whites. The AUA for C4 differed significantly between the sexes. The linear parameter values obtained using Korean cadavers were compared with those obtained using white and Singaporean subjects. The EPWu values of Koreans were smaller than those reported in whites, while the values for all the parameters were considerably larger than those reported in Singaporeans. The AUA indicated the existence of various relationships between the endplate and the uncovertebral joint. Conclusions. This data can be used to develop cervical devices for Koreans. The AUA should be studied in other populations.