Aim: The aim of this study was to create three-dimensional (3D) models of each cervical vertebra with computed tomography (CT) images; to determine the morphometric parameters of each cervical vertebra with manual and digital measurement methods; to compare the accuracy between the two methods.

Materials and Methods: The last five cervical vertebrae of four male thoroughbred horses were used for morphometric analyses. All vertebrae were scanned with 256-multidetector CT device. 3D reconstructed models were acquired with 3D slicer software. Twenty-three morphometric parameters were calculated on 3D models and manually by using a digital caliper.

Results: Measurement methods*Cervical vertebra interaction term was found statistically significant for height of vertebra, external and internal width of the cranial articular process, width of the vertebral fossa, height of transverse foramen, height of cranial and caudal vertebral notch, and width of the pedicle (p<0.001). The length of the vertebral body was decreasing from third to seventh cervical vertebra in both measurement methods but was not different between measurement methods*cervical vertebra interaction term (p=0.685). This study provided detailed comprehensive morphometric data to compare cervical vertebrae among each other. The digital information gathered with 3D approaches will give useful information for analysing anatomical variations.

Conclusion: These morphometric data cannot only contribute to anatomic investigations but also provide database for surgical and orthopaedic researches or clinical interventions on this region of equine species.