The relation between bone mineral content, experimental compression fractures, and disc degeneration in lumbar...

The bone mineral content and the ultimate compressive strength were determined in 109 fresh lumbar vertebrae from 36 different subjects, 31 to 79 years of age. The degree of macroscopic disc degeneration and the types of fracture were determined. Three types of fracture-central, wedge and transverse-were found, but only under magnification and at simultaneous movements of the fracture segment. The central type of fracture was found predominantly in specimens with high bone mineral content surrounded by normal discs. The wedge type of fracture was consistent with lower bone mineral content and more severe disc degeneration.