Abstract.
In this study a new reference value, ``corrected vertebral dimension,'' is presented for vertebral height measurements. Of 68 females (age 18–88 years; mean 44.2 years) and 40 males (age 16–81 years; mean 55 years) the projected vertebral dimensions (T4–L5) were measured on lateral radiographs. In addition to this, the vertebra-to-film distances (VFD) were measured and a fixed focus-to-film distance (FFD) was used during the study. Corrected dimensions of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae (T4–L5) were calculated using the FFD and VFD. These corrected dimensions were then used to recalculate projected vertebral dimensions at different focus-to-film distances. The applied geometric corrections were verified in a phantom study representing an in vitro situation. The results indicate that studies using different X-ray techniques for making lateral radiographs of the spine can become comparable when using corrected vertebral dimensions.
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van Bodegom, J., Kuiper, J., van Rijn, R. et al. Vertebral Dimensions: Influence of X-Ray Technique and Patient Size on Measurements. Calcif Tissue Int 62, 214–218 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002239900420
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002239900420