Computed Tomographic and Morphometric Study of Lumbosacral and Coccygeal Vertebrae in Healthy White New Zealand Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)

Abstract

Rabbits are commonly used in researches but despite their wide usage, knowledge of normal structure of various parts of lumbosacral and coccygeal vertebrae with computed tomography (SC) is obscure. On the other hand, scrutinizing of structures in these regions in their natural status can bring about more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for clinicians and surgeons. The goal of this study was to provide an exhaustive descriptive and morphometric assessment of lumbosacral and coccygeal vertebrae in rabbits with computed tomography. In this article morphometric parameters in 2D CT images of 10 healthy, mature, white New Zealand rabbits were measured. End plate height (EPH) had no significant difference through lumbosacral and coccygeal vertebrae but other parameters such as vertebral body height (VBH), spinous process height (SPH), transverse process length (TPL), transverse process width (TPW), spinous process angle (SPA), transverse process angle (TPA) and vertebral body length (VBL) had significant differences. Spinal canal depth (SCD) had an invariable measure from the first lumbar vertebra up to the third sacral vertebra and decreased at the location of the fourth sacral vertebra and was invariable up to the second coccygeal vertebra. Pedicle width (PDW) had an invariable measure from the first cervical vertebra up to the second coccygeal vertebra. In conclusion computed tomographic anatomy of lumbosacral and coccygeal vertebrae in white New Zealand rabbits were evaluated and different parts of vertebrae were described.

Keywords

• morphometry
• lumbar vertebrae
• sacrum
• coccygeal vertebrae
• rabbit