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Morphological Variation of Costal Facets on Thoracic Vertebrae Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The study examines the morphological variation of costal facets on thoracic vertebrae among undergraduate students. Costal facets are articular surfaces located on the thoracic vertebrae that participate in articulations with the ribs and contribute to the formation and stability of the thoracic cage. Their morphology may vary in shape, size, position, and orientation across different thoracic vertebral levels. Understanding these variations is important for accurate identification of thoracic vertebrae, interpretation of spinal imaging, and clinical procedures involving the vertebral column and thoracic cage. The study aims to determine the morphological characteristics of costal facets on thoracic vertebrae among undergraduate students. It will specifically assess variations in the shape, size, position, orientation, and distribution of selected costal facets and determine the frequency of the observed morphological patterns across the thoracic vertebral levels. A cross-sectional descriptive research design will be adopted for the study. Undergraduate students who meet the predetermined inclusion criteria will be selected using an appropriate sampling technique. The morphology and dimensions of the costal facets will be assessed using standardized osteological or appropriate imaging-based procedures and clearly defined anatomical landmarks. The collected data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while appropriate inferential statistical methods will be applied to examine relevant variations among the assessed vertebral levels. The study is expected to reveal measurable variation in the morphology of costal facets among the participants. Differences may be observed in facet shape, dimensions, position, and orientation, with some patterns potentially varying according to the specific thoracic vertebral level. The findings are also expected to demonstrate the distribution of these morphological characteristics and provide information on the anatomical diversity of costovertebral articulations within the study population. The findings are expected to provide useful anatomical reference information for anatomists, radiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and other healthcare professionals involved in the assessment of the thoracic spine and rib articulations. The information may support accurate identification of thoracic vertebrae, interpretation of radiological images, surgical planning, and improved understanding of anatomical variations encountered during procedures involving the thoracic spine. The study will conclude by documenting the morphological characteristics and variations of costal facets on thoracic vertebrae among undergraduate students. It will recommend the use of standardized osteological and imaging assessment procedures in future investigations and encourage further studies involving larger and more diverse populations to establish comprehensive reference data on costal facet morphology.

Keywords: costal facets, thoracic vertebrae, morphological variation, thoracic spine, costovertebral joint, costotransverse joint, rib articulation, vertebral morphology, facet dimensions, osteometry, morphometry, undergraduate students, anatomical variation, thoracic anatomy, skeletal morphology.