Abstract:

Objective　To estimate the level of lumbar spine and the location of conus medullaris, taking the Tuffier's line and the lowest points of the ribcage as the new markers.　Methods　Simple X-ray and MR (T1-weighted, midline, sagittal, spinecho) of 216 healthy adults (male 98, and female 118), aged from 18 to 94, were performed to assess the position of conus medullaris, according to the guide of the Tuffier's line and the lowest points of the ribcage. This location point was recorded in relation to the upper, middle, or lower third of the adjacent vertebral body or interspace. The data were collected and statistically analyzed.　Results　Corresponding to the spine, the conus medullaris, Tuffier's line and the lowest points of the ribcage were at the lower 1/3 of L1 about 29.72±2.032, at L4~5 about 16.11±1.192, and at L2~3 about 24.69±1.909, respectively, furthermore, the above parameters were significantly sexual different. The spinal position located by the lowest ribcage was correlated with the age.　Conclusions　At the erection position, the tuffier's line corresponds to the level of L4~5 or L4, and the lowest ribcage corresponds to the lower third level of L2~3. Those two lines can be taken as the location markers to confirm the level of intervertebral space.

Key words: Conus medullaris, Tuffier's line, Ribcage, Vertebral column