Application of Micro-computed Tomography in the Microstructure of Cervical Uncinate Processes Trabecular Bone

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to observe the distribution and morphological characteristics of the trabecular bone in the uncinate process of the cervical spine on micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) to identify the morphological characteristics of the microstructure in the uncinate process. Micro-CT scans were performed on 31 sets of C3-C7 vertebrae comprising 155 complete bone specimens. The measurement software of the Micro-CT system was used to identify the relevant parameters of the trabecular bone in the uncinate process. Trabecular bone in the uncinate process was mainly crisscrossed longitudinally and was continuous with the trabecular bone in the vertebral body. There was a significant difference in the bone surface area between the left and right sides (P < .05); however, there were no other significant differences between the sides (P > .05). Also, there was no obvious regularity in the change with the increase in vertebral sequence number. The peaks of each parameter were mostly concentrated in C4-C6, and there were significant differences between C3 and other cervical vertebrae for other parameters (P < .05); differences between other vertebrae were not obvious. Micro-CT can be used to observe the arrangement of trabecular bone in the uncinate process of the cervical spine and allows the measurement of morphometric parameters. The trabecular bone in the uncinate process does not significantly differ between sides and vertebrae in adults.