Vertebral cross-sectional growth: A predictor of vertebral wedging in the immature skeleton.

The degree of vertebral wedging, a key structural characteristic of spinal curvatures, has recently been found to be negatively related to vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA). The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the relation between vertebral cross-sectional growth and vertebral wedging progression within the immature lumbar spine. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we analyzed the potential association between increases in lumbar vertebral CSA and changes in L5 vertebral wedging in 27 healthy adolescent girls (ages 9-13 years) twice within a two-year period.

Increased Lumbar Lordosis and Smaller Vertebral Cross-Sectional Area Are Associated With Spondylolysis.

Study Design: A cross-sectional comparison of vertebral morphology and lumbar lordosis (LL) in adolescents with and without spondylolysis.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that in addition to LL, vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) is also associated with spondylolysis.

Summary Of Background Data: Recent data indicate that the CSA of the vertebral body is a determinant of LL, which has been shown to be associated with spondylolysis.

Association Between Vertebral Cross-sectional Area and Vertebral Wedging in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

A small vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) imparts a mechanical disadvantage that escalates the risk for vertebral fractures in elderly populations. We examined whether a small vertebral CSA is also associated with a greater degree of vertebral wedging in children. Measurements of vertebral CSA, lumbar lordosis (LL) or thoracic scoliosis angle, and vertebral wedging were obtained in 100 healthy adolescents (50 boys and 50 girls) and 25 girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using magnetic resonance imaging.

Biomechanical Modeling of Spine Flexibility and Its Relationship to Spinal Range of Motion and Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Objective: To examine the relationships between spine morphology, spine flexibility, and idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: Girls have a higher incidence of clinically significant scoliosis than boys, along with smaller vertebrae and greater flexibility.

Association between vertebral cross-sectional area and lumbar lordosis angle in adolescents.

Lumbar lordosis (LL) is more prominent in women than in men, but the mechanisms responsible for this discrepancy are poorly defined. A recent study indicates that newborn girls have smaller vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) when compared to boys-a difference that persists throughout life and is independent of body size. We determined the relations between vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) and LL angle and whether sex differences in lumbar lordosis are related to sex differences in vertebral CSA.