Bone Abstracts

Study aim: Vertebral strength is determined by bone size, shape, bone mineral density, microarchitecture, and bone material properties. Despite its importance to vertebral mechanics, no studies have reported on the variation of bone microdamage present in the human vertebra. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess regional changes in trabecular bone microdamage in association with bone microarchitecture and resorption in whole human lumbar vertebrae.

Methods: L2 vertebrae were obtained from 12 human cadaveric spines (six males, aged 53–82 years; six females, aged 56–87 years). Parasagittal slices cut from each vertebral body were en bloc-stained in basic fuchsin, cut into nine sectors, and resin embedded. Histomorphometric assessment of trabecular bone microarchitecture, in vivo bone microdamage, and extent of bone resorption was undertaken.

Results: Data analysis revealed few differences for the nine sectors and no differences for the antero-posterior axis were observed. For the cranio-caudal axis, the mid-vertebral region had the lowest bone volume fraction (P<0.03), trabecular number (P<0.02), and highest trabecular separation (P<0.03). Microcrack density parameters were highest in the mid-vertebral region (P<0.04) and lowest in the caudal region (P<0.04). Diffuse microdamage was minimal or absent. Bone resorption was highest in the cranial region (P<0.03).

Conclusions: For the cranio-caudal axis of the L2 human vertebra, the mid-vertebral region may be biomechanically compromised due to reduced bone volume and microarchitectural changes being accompanied by an increased microcrack burden. The increased bone resorption found in the cranial region may be an adaptive response to intervertebral disc degeneration. The implications of these observations are being further investigated with comparison to available biomechanical and intervertebral disc grading data.