Xiao-he Li; Yong-qiang Cai; Xin Wang; Shang Gao & Zhi-jun Li

Summary

The aim of our study was to observe the occurrence rate and morphological characteristics of Infra-Lamina ridge (ILR) in Chinese population and provide a comprehensive reference for its clinical implication. Vertebrae columns of 82 sets of Chinese adult skeletons were collected. The shape of ILR was classified into three types; the occurrence of it in different sides and sexes were counted. The length, width, thickness of ILR were measured using a caliper with 0.02 mm accuracy. The ILR was usually found to occur from C7 to L5, with its frequency higher from T8 to 12, and highest at T10being up to 80.5%. There was significant statistical difference to the occurrence rate by side, sex and vertebral level. The largest values in its length and width were from T9 to T12. The ILR at T10 was largest in dimensions, being 4.1±2.1 mm in length and 4.4±2.3 mm in width. The ILR is more frequently detected in female and at the left side, at the lower thoracic spine with a larger dimension.

KEY WORDS: Infra-lamina ridge; Vertebrae; Ossification; Ligamentum flavum; Morphological characteristics.

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