Radiological Evaluation of the Tuffier’s Line in Pediatric Patients

Aim: Tuffier%u2019s Line (Intercristal line) is defined as the line connecting the highest points of both iliac crests which generally passes through either the body of the L4 vertebra or the intervertebral space between L4-5 vertebrae. In this study, we assessed the radiological evaluation of the level of Tuffier%u2019s line with changes in age and gender in pediatric population. Material and Method: In this study, standing anteroposterior lumbar radiographs of 519 patients aged 16 and younger were analyzed retrospectively. Notation was made as to the intersection of this line with one of the following structures: L4 vertebral body, L4 inferior endplate, L4%u2013L5 disc space, L5 superior endplate, L5 vertebral body, L5 inferior endplate, L5-S1 disc space. Patients%u2019 gender, age and vertebral level of the Tuffier%u2019s line are recorded. Data is analyzed with chi-square test. Results: There were 315 male and 204 female patients.There were no significant difference between females and males on the level of Tuffier%u2019s line (p=0.102). In both male and female groups Tuffier%u2019s line tended to pass through the L5 vertebral body, respectively 44.8 % and 46.1 %. There was a significant difference between age groups on the level of Tuffier%u2019s line (