1Radiologische Klinik und Strahleninstitut, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Bethesda, Duisburg 1, FRG
2Institut für Experimentelle Biomechanik, Universität Münster, FRG
Abstract and keywords
The ultimate compressive strength of 36 thoracolumbar vertebrae was determined experimentally. In addition, the trabecular bone mineral content was measured by single energy quantitative computed tomography. The areas of fractured endplates were also determined by computed tomography. The results show that a linear relationship exists between the compressive strength and the product of bone density and endplate area. These data allow an in vivo prediction of vertebral body strength using a noninvasive method with a standard error of estimate amounting to less than 0.95 kN.
Keywords:
Lumbar vertebrae; Quantitative computed tomography; Prediction of compressive strength