Sexual Dimorphism in the Atlas Vertebra of Normal and Overweight Patients with its Possible Surgical Implications.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to detect the sexual dimorphism in the width and external anteroposterior length (EAPL) values of the atlas vertebra, and to detect significant correlations between the width and EAPL with height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in normal weight and in overweighted patients.

METHODS

The width and EAPL were measured in 63 (32 female, 31 male) normal weight individuals and in 61 (30 female, 31 male) overweighted individuals who underwent a cervical spine computed tomography scan. Data was first compared between all female patients and male patients, and secondly was compared between normal and overweight individuals. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to evaluate correlations between width and EAPL with height, weight, and BMI.

RESULTS

Atlas width and EAPL were significantly higher in normal and overweight males (P < 0.001). No correlations were found between height, weight, and BMI and the width and EAPL in normal and overweight individuals. The only significant correlation found was between width and EAPL in both normal and overweight individuals (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is sexual dimorphism in atlas width and EAPL, with male patients presenting significantly higher values, but there are no correlations between height, weight, and BMI and the width and EAPL in both normal and overweight individuals. In addition, being overweight does not affect the correlation between width and EAPL.