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Osteoporosis International

Published in:

01-07-2012 | Original Article

Vertebral body bone strength: the contribution of individual trabecular element morphology

Authors: I. H. Parkinson, A. Badiei, M. Stauber, J. Codrington, R. Müller, N. L. Fazzalari

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 7/2012

Abstract

Summary

Although the amount of bone explains the largest amount of variability in bone strength, there is still a significant proportion unaccounted for. The morphology of individual bone trabeculae explains a further proportion of the variability in bone strength and bone elements that contribute to bone strength depending on the direction of loading.

Introduction

Micro-CT imaging enables measurement of bone microarchitecture and subsequently mechanical strength of the same sample. It is possible using micro-CT data to perform morphometric analysis on individual rod and plate bone trabeculae using a volumetric spatial decomposition algorithm and hence determine their contribution to bone strength.

Methods

Twelve pairs of vertebral bodies (T12/L1 or L4/L5) were harvested from human cadavers, and bone cubes (10 × 10 × 10 mm) were obtained. After micro-CT imaging, a volumetric spatial decomposition algorithm was applied, and measures of individual trabecular elements were obtained. Bone strength was measured in compression, where one bone specimen from each vertebral segment was tested supero-inferiorly (SI) and the paired specimen was tested antero-posteriorly (AP).

Results

Bone volume fraction was the strongest individual determinant of SI strength (r ² = 0.77, p < 0.0001) and AP (r ² = 0.54, p < 0.0001). The determination of SI strength was improved to r ² = 0.87 with the addition of mean rod length and relative plate bone volume fraction. The determination of AP strength was improved to r ² = 0.85 with the addition of mean rod volume and relative rod bone volume fraction.

Conclusions

Microarchitectural measures of individual trabeculae that contribute to bone strength have been identified. In addition to the contribution of BV/TV, trabecular rod morphology increased the determination of AP strength by 57%, whereas measures of trabecular plate and rod morphology increased determination of SI strength by 13%. Decomposing vertebral body bone architecture into its constituent morphological elements shows that trabecular element morphology has specific functional roles to assist in maintaining skeletal integrity.

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Title: Vertebral body bone strength: the contribution of individual trabecular element morphology
Authors: I. H. Parkinson
A. Badiei
M. Stauber
J. Codrington
R. Müller
N. L. Fazzalari
Publication date: 01-07-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 7/2012
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-011-1832-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Vertebral body bone strength: the contribution of individual trabecular element morphology

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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