Morphometric analysis of laminae of C3–C6 vertebrae of cervical spine in the population of north west India

Introduction: The knowledge of morphometric parameters of laminae of cervical vertebrae is indispensable in surgical procedures and developing instrumentation for surgical processes. Literature reports ethnic and geographical variations reported in these dimensions. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included analysis of laminae of 212 cervical vertebrae (C3–C6). The length of superior border of lamina and inferior border of lamina was measured on the right and left sides using vernier caliper. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done with the help of Microsoft Excel version 2021. Results: The length of the superior border of lamina on both sides increases from C3 to C5. The length of the inferior border of the lamina on both sides decreases from C3 to C4, then on the right side, it increases from C4 to C5 and then decreases from C5 to C6, and on the left side, it increases from C4 to C6. At C4, the length of superior border of lamina on the right side differed statistically from the length of superior border of lamina on the left side (P = 0.042). A significant difference between lengths of the inferior border of laminae on the right and left sides was also found at the C5 vertebra (P = 0.001) and C6 vertebra (P = 0.012). No significant difference in thickness and height of lamina was observed between right and left sides. Conclusion: The present study indicates morphometric parameters of laminae of typical cervical vertebrae in the North West Indian population differ from the same parameters in Brazilian as well as South Indian populations. The length of superior border as well as inferior border of lamina has significant differences between right and left sides. However, there is no significant difference in height and thickness of laminae between right and left sides.