Geometric Morphometric and Volumetric Analysis of Lumbar Vertebrae For Forensic Anthropology and Clinical Applications: A Mini Review

Geometric morphometric and volumetric analysis are important methods to analyse bone shape, size, and structural variations among populations, sexes, and ages. Geometric morphometric methods use two- or three-dimensional landmark coordinates to study the shape and form of biological or geometric structures. Volumetric analysis aims to determine the density of the bone or structure in three dimensions. This article is a review of 12 studies that have been done regarding the morphometric and volumetric analysis of lumbar vertebrae, and how they can be applied to forensics and clinical application. Google Scholar and PubMed were used to search for articles from (2010-2024) using Lumbar Vertebrae, Geometric Morphometrics, Volumetric Analysis, Forensic Anthropology, and Spinal Surgery keywords. Medical research shows, the size of lumbar vertebrae males have bigger vertebrae than females. Age, ethnicity, and morphometric data are crucial in designing implants for forensic anthropology and spinal surgery. They play an important role in improving clinical outcomes through CT-based models and 3D printing. These studies highlight the importance of morphometric data for understanding spinal anatomy and enhancing preoperative planning. This paper applies population data to refine morphometric techniques used in both fields.