Racial variations of selected thoracic spine radiographic parameters of males in the greater Durban area

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the normal selected radiographic parameters (thoracic kyphosis (TK), anterior vertebral body height (AVBH), posterior vertebral body height (PVBH), intervertebral disc height (IVDH) and interpedicular distance (IPD)) in young to middle-aged males across the four racial groups in Durban. Participants: Eighty young to middle-aged apparently healthy males between the ages of 18-45 years from the White, Black, Indian and Coloured racial groups in Durban. Methodology: After written informed consent was acquired, all participants underwent a case history, physical examination and thoracic orthopaedic examination. An AP and lateral radiograph of the thoracic spine was then obtained. The TK, AVBH, PVBH, IVDH and IPD were assessed using methods described previously. The IBM SPSS version 20 was utilized for the data analysis. Mean, standard deviation (SD) and range are reported for the TK, AVBH, PVBH and IPD for each of the four racial groups. For the IVDH, however, the median for the respective vertebral levels is given. ANOVA testing with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to determine overall inter-group variations and compare each group to the other. Pearson’s correlation test was used to determine the relationship between the thoracic kyphosis and the other radiographic parameters that were assessed. Results : The mean, SD, minimum and maximum values of the thoracic kyphosis by racial group There was no significant difference in the TK among the four race groups. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the AVBH, PVBH, IVDH and IPD between the White, Black, Indian and Coloured males at various thoracic levels. Conclusion: The trends of the various radiographic parameters observed in this study support the argument that these parameters should be based on sex, age and geographic race. These values would be useful for South African spinal health care practitioners in the diagnosis and management of spinal disorders.