文摘
Trabecular structure cranial and caudal to each lumbar disc was compared to understand vertebral fracture risk; A large sample of cadaveric spinal segments were studied with μCT and disc degeneration was measured using discography; Greater BMD, Tb.N, Conn.D were observed in trabeculae cranial to the disc than caudally in the upper lumbar region; Differences in trabecular parameters in a spinal motion segment were not associated with age and disc degeneration; Findings may explain why vertebral fractures often involve the upper lumbar spine and the endplate caudal to a disc.