The human vertebral column is a structurally complex and functionally vital component of the axial skeleton. It provides stability, supports body weight, protects the spinal cord, and facilitates mobility. Among its regions, the lumbar vertebrae are particularly significant due to their load-bearing function and clinical relevance in spinal disorders and surgical interventions.

Understanding the morphometry of lumbar vertebrae is essential for various medical applications, including spinal surgery, orthopedic implant design, forensic identification, and anthropological analysis. Previous studies have established that vertebral dimensions are influenced by gender, age, ethnicity, and individual biomechanical factors [1,2]. With advancing age, vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs undergo degenerative changes such as reduction in height, alterations in shape, and loss of bone mass, which have been well documented in both anatomical and radiological studies [2,4].

Several recent studies have highlighted the importance of region-specific morphometric data. Ashish et al. conducted a detailed assessment of lumbar vertebrae in dried anatomical specimens and emphasized the variability in vertebral height among individuals [1]. Similarly, Kot et al. performed a CT-based analysis of the lumbar spine in relation to the abdominal aorta, further underscoring the clinical relevance of vertebral morphometry [6]. Studies on thoracic vertebrae and pedicles also support age- and sex-related morphometric variations, which can significantly affect surgical planning and implant selection [4,5].While fetal and pediatric studies contribute to understanding spinal development [3], normative adult morphometric data remain essential for clinical practice.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the morphometric parameters of the lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs in relation to age and gender, thereby contributing to the anatomical database and offering insights into clinically relevant spinal variations.

Study Design and Setting:

This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Anatomy at Singareni Institute of Medical Sciences / GMC, Ramagundam, Telangana, India.

Study Period:

The study was carried out over a period of three months, from April to June 2025.

Sample Size and Sampling:

A total of 100 human (90 vertebral column specimens and 10 radiographs), were included in the study. The sample comprised 60 male and 40 female specimens from individuals aged 18 to 80 years. Convenience sampling was employed, including only well-preserved and undamaged vertebrae.

Inclusion Criteria:

Vertebral columns from adults aged ≥18 years.

Specimens without gross deformities, fractures, or congenital anomalies.

Availability of demographic details including age and gender.

Exclusion Criteria:

Vertebrae with signs of pathological changes, trauma, or degenerative diseases.

Incomplete or damaged vertebral columns.

Data Collection:

Morphometric measurements were taken using digital Vernier Calipers for bony specimens and radiographic image analysis software for digital images, wherever applicable. Parameters measured included:

1. Vertebral body height (anterior aspect) from L1 to L5.
2. Intervertebral disc height between L1–L2, L2–L3, L3–L4, and L4–L5.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize mean and standard deviation. Independent t-tests were applied to compare morphometric values between males and females. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between age and vertebral dimensions. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Ethical Considerations:

The study was conducted following approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee of Singareni Institute of Medical Sciences, Ramagundam. Confidentiality of donor demographic details was maintained throughout the study.

The study included 100 vertebral column samples, comprising 60 males and 40 females, with ages ranging from 18 to over 70 years. The age and gender distribution of the study subjects is summarized in Table 1. The majority of participants were in the 31–50 years (32%) and 51–70 years (32%) age groups, with a relatively balanced representation across other age brackets.

Table 1: Age and Gender Distribution of Study Subjects (n = 100)

Morphometric analysis revealed that the mean vertebral body height at all lumbar levels (L1–L5) was significantly higher in males compared to females. For instance, the mean vertebral body height at L5 was 27.2 ± 1.9 mm in males and 25.0 ± 1.7 mm in females (p < 0.01). A consistent trend of sexual dimorphism was observed across all lumbar vertebral heights, as detailed in Table 2.

Table 2: Mean Vertebral Body Height at Lumbar Levels by Gender (in mm)

Intervertebral disc height also varied significantly between genders. Males demonstrated greater mean disc height at lumbar disc heights L1–L2 through L4–L5 compared to females, with statistically significant differences observed at L1–L2, L2–L3, and L4–L5 (p < 0.05). The differences in disc height are presented in Table 3.

Table 3: Intervertebral Disc Height at Lumbar Levels (in mm)

Correlation analysis showed a moderate negative correlation between age and vertebral body height (r = –0.48, p < 0.001), as well as between age and intervertebral disc height (r = –0.42, p < 0.01), indicating age-related decline in both parameters. These correlations are presented in Table 4.

Table 4: Correlation between Age and Vertebral Parameters

This study aimed to assess the morphometric variations in lumbar vertebral body and intervertebral disc dimensions in relation to age and gender. The findings revealed significant sexual dimorphism, with males exhibiting greater vertebral and disc heights than females at all lumbar levels. These results are in line with previous studies highlighting the importance of gender-specific anatomical variations for anthropological and clinical applications [7].

The observation that vertebral and disc heights decrease with advancing age supports the established understanding of spinal degenerative processes. Age-related morphometric changes in the spine, particularly at thoracolumbar junctions and intervertebral discs, have been previously demonstrated in both radiological and anatomical studies [10]. These changes are attributed to bone loss, reduced hydration of the intervertebral discs, and vertebral body compression, all of which can influence spinal alignment, mobility, and the risk of fractures.

Our findings also resonate with large-scale imaging studies, such as the NHANES-II radiographic dataset, which defined normal vertebral morphometry and confirmed gender- and age-dependent variations in spinal dimensions [8]. Studies like those by Priya et al. have shown that modern imaging modalities provide detailed morphometric data, reinforcing the clinical importance of accurate anatomical reference values for surgical navigation and implant design [12].

Moreover, fetal and pediatric morphometric studies, though outside the scope of this research, further demonstrate the developmental trajectory of spinal structures and their implications for postnatal anatomy [11]. Craniovertebral junction analyses also highlight the interconnectedness of spinal and cranial morphometry in neurosurgical planning [9].

our findings reinforce the need for population-specific and gender-sensitive morphometric databases, which are essential for precise diagnostic assessments, surgical planning, and biomedical device customization. The integration of modern imaging techniques and anatomical studies continues to enhance our understanding of vertebral morphometry across all life stages and populations [10,12].

Although the study contributes valuable regional data, it is not without limitations. The sample size, though adequate, may not represent the entire population, and reliance on cadaveric or radiographic sources may introduce variability. Further studies involving larger, multicentric cohorts and imaging modalities like MRI may enhance accuracy and clinical applicability.

This study highlights significant morphometric differences in the lumbar vertebral column based on age and gender. Males exhibited greater vertebral body and intervertebral disc heights compared to females at all lumbar levels. A moderate negative correlation between age and vertebral dimensions indicates a decline in spinal height with advancing age. These findings have important clinical implications in spinal surgery, radiological interpretation, orthopedic planning, and forensic identification. The data generated can serve as a reference for anatomical norms in the Indian population. Further large-scale, multicentric studies are recommended to validate and expand upon these findings for broader clinical applicability.

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