Objective: To explore the prevalence and distribution of abnormal vertebral pedicles in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in Chinese people.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed AIS patients at a single institution between 2011 and 2017. Transverse pedicle widths from T1 to L5 were measured carefully using computed tomography, including cancellous and cortical channels. Pedicle morphology was classified as: type A, a cancellous channel larger than 4 mm; type B, a cancellous channel measuring 2-4 mm; type C, a cancellous channel smaller than 2 mm with an entirely cortical channel of 2 mm or greater; or type D, a cortical channel smaller than 2 mm. Types B, C, and D were defined as abnormal. Prevalence and distribution of abnormal pedicles were assessed.
Results: Eighty-seven patients with AIS, with a total of 2958 vertebral pedicles, were carefully measured and classified. The total prevalence of abnormal vertebral pedicles was as high as 65%, with type B comprising 40%, type C comprising 23%, and type D comprising 2%. Pedicles were located between T2 and T10 in 84% of type C and 91% of type D cases. Female sex, proximal thoracic location, major curve greater than 70 degrees, and concave pedicle may be risk factors for type C and D pedicles.
Conclusions: There is a significantly high prevalence of abnormal pedicles in AIS in Chinese people, with a total prevalence of 65%. Female sex, proximal thoracic location, major curve greater than 70 degrees, and concave pedicle may be risk factors for type C and D pedicles.
Keywords: Abnormal vertebral pedicle; Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Chinese people.
Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.