In vivo measurement of vertebral endplate surface area along the whole-spine

ABSTRACT Accurate determination of vertebral endplate surface area and diameters plays an important role in surgical procedures, spinal implant design and sizing. The objective of this study was to contribute with baseline information on the endplate geometrical parameters using subject‐based 3D whole‐spine computed tomography (CT) models based on myelogram CT images taken of 49 patients with spinal disorders. Superior and inferior bony endplate mesh‐models were created from said 3D CT models and endplate geometrical parameters including total polygon‐mesh areas, projected areas and antero posterior and transverse diameters of each endplate were measured. The position of each endplate was determined by the cumulative distance along the spinal column with respect to C2. Endplate area and diameters were analyzed by gender, spinal level, age and correlation with spinal position. Males had larger endplates than females at all levels (p