The aim of this study was to assess the sub-axial cervical pedicle and document its anatomical dimensions within the Ghanaian population. This knowledge is essential in determining dimensions of the screws to be used and the ideal trajectory in placing the screw within the pedicle without incidence. It has been suggested that the cervical spine pedicles may vary in different populations. It is important that each population have baseline measurements that will serve as a guide to surgeons.
The study was conducted using 187 sub-axial cervical vertebrae that were harvested from 20 cadavers. Vertebrae that had gross deformities, showed signs of degeneration or were damaged were excluded from the study. The measurements that were taken were the pedicle height, width, length and the posterior transverse angle.
The pedicle width ranged from 3.01-8.62 mm, the height from 4.15-10.18 mm and the length from 1.88-6.51 mm. There was no significant difference in the means of all the linear parameters when comparisons were made between the left and right side. A significant statistical difference in the mean pedicle width was however observed when comparisons were made between the different levels of cervical vertebrae
From the findings of our study, it is recommended that each pedicle should be assessed preoperatively to ascertain its suitability for pedicle screw placement. On the bases of dimension alone, it appears that C7 pedicles may be the safest in which to place screws.
