[Correlation between compression characteristics and CAT densitometry values of vertebral bodies (author's transl)]

The compression characteristics of 25 fresh cadaveric vertebrae of different height had been analysed in static compression tests and related to CAT densitometry values. A relationship between fracture load and CAT densitometry values of the vertebral body (spongiosa and corticalis) had been found, which can be described as a logarithmical function (r2 = 0.91). Separated CAT measurements of spongiosa also showed a logarithmical function (r2 = 0.89). Consequently, the thin corticalis of vertebral waist is of subordinate importance in correlation to fracture load. An analogously explored average CAT densitometry value showed no definite dependence on corticalis capacity. The graphic description of analysed spongiosa areas in absorption profile (CAT histogram) almost resulted in a Gauss distribution.