Characterize Pedicle and Neurocentral Synchondrosis Development in Young Normal Patients Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Methods: Transverse MRI images of 25 patients who had a normal straight spine were analyzed from T1 to L5. NCS length and thickness, pedicle length and width, and percent left/right vertebral body area (%VBA) of the total vertebral body area were measured using a computer workstation at each level. The extent of symmetry in the vertebrae was determined and compared at each level using statistical methods.

Results: There were 19 females and 6 males with an average age of 4.3 years (0.8 to 7.8). The average NCS length and thickness were 7.9 mm x 1.2 mm on the left and 8 mm x 1.3 mm on the right. The pedicle length and width was16.9 mm and 3.7 mm for the left and 16.7 mm and 3.4 mm for the right. The %VBA was 28.6% for the right and 27.7% for the left. No significant differences were found between the left and right at each level when compared the NCS, pedicle, and %VBA, respectively. Analysis of the pedicle in different regions of the spine correlated with age (Table).

Discussion: The pedicle size of the normal vertebrae for the infantile and juvenile spine is described. Developmental symmetry of the NCS was seen in the normal straight spine and may play an important role for maintaining normal spine alignment.