Regional variations in the intra- and intervertebral trabecular microarchitecture of the osteoporotic axial skeleton

Trabecular structures in vertebral bodies are unequally distributed in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, and also within individual vertebrae. Knowledge of the microstructure of these entities could influence our comprehension and treatment of osteoporotic fractures, and even surgical procedures. Appropriate investigations may clarify the pathomechanisms of various osteoporotic fractures (fish, wedge-shaped, and flat vertebrae). We obtained three cancellous bone cylinders from the centers and margins of cervical vertebra 3 to lumbar vertebra 5, and investigated these in regard of bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, separation, trabecular number, trabecular bone pattern factor, connectivity density, and degree of anisotropy. Using a Jamshidi needle^®, we obtained samples from three quadrants (QI: right-sided edge, QII: central, QIII: left-sided edge) of 242 prepared vertebrae, and investigated these on a micro-CT device. In all, 726 bone samples were taken from eleven body donors. Bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and the degree of anisotropy were significantly lower in QII than in QI and QIII. Trabecular pattern factor, however, was significantly higher in QII than in QI and QIII. The results helped to explain fish vertebrae. Wedge fractures and flat vertebrae are most likely caused by the complex destruction of trabecular and cortical structures. The higher bone volume fraction in the cervical spine compared to the thoracic and lumbar spine accounts for the small number of fractures in the cervical spine. The marked trabecular pattern factor in the center of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae could be a reason for the surgeon to use different screw designs for individual vertebrae.