08 September 2003
Ossification process and lumbar spine morphology in the prenatal period
Alicja Kędzia, Marcin CzyżMed Sci Monit 2003; 9(9): BR343-350 :: ID: 13186
Abstract
Background:Developmental abnormalities are the causes of numerous pathologies affecting the lumbar segment of the vertebral column. The aim of our study was metrologic assessment and analysis of lumbar vertebral column angioarchitecture during fetal life with particular emphasis on the description of vasculature of ossification centers of vertebral arches and bodies.Material/Methods:The study was carried out on 30 fetuses with crown-rump length range of 31–180 mm. Vasculature of the ossification centers was studied using Pickworth’s method and computed image analysis techniques in Imtron and Scion for Windows 2001 systems. The analysis involved the use of filters, binarization, linear and non-linear transformations. The assessment of morphology of lumbar spine structural elements was based on detailed measurements and statistical analysis of results.The study was carried out on 30 fetuses with crown-rump length range of 31–180 mm. Vasculature of the ossification centers was studied using Pickworth’s method and computed image analysis techniques in Imtron and Scion for Windows 2001 systems. The analysis involved the use of filters, binarization, linear and non-linear transformations. The assessment of morphology of lumbar spine structural elements was based on detailed measurements and statistical analysis of results.Results:The analysis of vascular system of the ossification centers revealed the presence of numerous sinuses of various morphology. Their long axes were oriented in accordance with the directions of growth. The vasculature of the vertebral arch and body centers was characterized by a laminar structure. Centrally located sinuses and arteriovenous plexuses were covered by disseminated complexes of small blood vessels forming a cortex. The ossification centers were usually supplied with blood from other sources than cartilaginous elements. The analysis of metrological data demonstrated a marked domination of the L2 vertebra.Conclusions:Ossification of the lumbar vertebral column occurs in one rostro-caudal direction, The vasculature of the centers adjusts its morphology to the growth directions and not tendencies characterizing the object. The ossification process is characterized by marked autonomy and specific regulation mechanisms.
Keywords: Crown-Rump Length, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Linear Models, Lumbar Vertebrae - anatomy & histology, Lumbar Vertebrae - embryology, Lumbar Vertebrae - radiography, Osteogenesis
Editorial
01 April 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: Forty Years of Waiting for Prevention and Cure of HIV Infection – Ongoing Challenges and Hopes for Vaccine Development and Overcoming Antiretroviral Drug ResistanceDOI: 10.12659/MSM.944600
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944600
In Press
05 Mar 2024 : Clinical Research
Role of Critical Shoulder Angle in Degenerative Type Rotator Cuff Tears: A Turkish Cohort StudyMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943703
06 Mar 2024 : Clinical Research
Comparison of Outcomes between Single-Level and Double-Level Corpectomy in Thoracolumbar Reconstruction: A ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943797
21 Mar 2024 : Meta-Analysis
Economic Evaluation of COVID-19 Screening Tests and Surveillance Strategies in Low-Income, Middle-Income, a...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943863
10 Apr 2024 : Clinical Research
Predicting Acute Cardiovascular Complications in COVID-19: Insights from a Specialized Cardiac Referral Dep...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.942612
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952