NORMAL VALUES OF THE VERTEBRAL BODY AND INTERVERTEBRAL DISK INDEX IN ADULTS

The vertical and sagittal diameters from the 12th thoracic to the 3rd lumbar vertebral body of young adults were measured in 38 lateral roentgenograms, which were interpreted as normal. An index between the vertical and sagittal diameter (Ivb=v/s) was devised and values with the double standard deviations were calculated.The index proved to be significantly higher in adult girls than men and was comparable to adolescents. The sexual difference is explained by a greater sagittal diameter of the vertebral bodies in men. Because of the later growth spurt of boys, adult men also show slightly higher vertebral bodies than girls.The measurement of the thickness (d) of the intervertebral disk was related to the height of the next lower vertebral body and an index was devised (Id=d/v). This index is also comparable to the results obtained in adolescents.