Is the Superior Articular Process a Reliable Landmark for Determining the Transverse Plane Angulation of Thoracic Pedicles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

Purpose: To analyze the usefulness of the superior articular process (SAP) as an external landmark for determining the transverse plane angulation of thoracic pedicles in scoliotic spines.

Methods: Two investigators reviewed thoracic spine CT scans of 60 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The gantry was adjusted to obtain axial images parallel to the superior endplate.