What is the difference in morphologic features of the lumbar vertebrae between Caucasian and Taiwanese subjects? A CT-based study: Implications of pedicle screw placement via Roy-Camille or Weinstein method

Safe placement of pedicle screws without jeopardizing neurovascular structures medially and anteriorly is important during spine surgery. Inferior breach of pedicle is also dangerous due to low margin of error. Lumbar morphology and identical pedicle orientation at L1 to L5 shown on CT scan of young Taiwanese patients (90 patients) were analyzed and compared with findings reported for Caucasian subjects.