Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Morphological changes of lumbar vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs associated with decrease in bone mineral
Anthony W L Kwok1, Yi-Xiang J Wang, James F Griffith
1Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Spine
|August 24, 2012
Summary
Osteoporosis in the elderly is linked to reduced lumbar vertebral and disc volumes. Lower bone mineral density (BMD) causes vertebrae to shrink and discs to change shape, impacting spinal health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Osteoporosis significantly impacts the elderly, affecting quality of life.
- The precise influence of osteopenia and osteoporosis on vertebral and intervertebral disc morphology requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate morphological changes in lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs associated with spinal osteoporosis in elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 395 community-dwelling adults (67-89 years).
- Lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
- T2-weighted MRI used to measure dimensions of lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) and intervertebral discs (T12-L1 to L5-S1).
Main Results:
- Lower BMD correlated with decreased anterior, middle, and posterior heights of vertebral bodies, increasing biconcavity.
- Lower BMD associated with decreased disc anterior height and posterior height, and anterior-posterior dimension, with increased middle height.
- Overall decrease in both vertebral and disc volumes observed with lower BMD, alongside an increased disc biconvexity index.
Conclusions:
- Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with a trend of decreasing lumbar vertebral and intervertebral disc volumes in the elderly.
- An increase in the middle height of intervertebral discs was noted in conjunction with lower BMD.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...