Longitudinal changes in lumbar bone mineral density distribution may increase the risk of wedge fractures
BACKGROUND: Trabecular bone strength diminishes as a result of osteoporosis and
altered biomechanical loading at the vertebral and spinal levels. The spine consists of the
anterior, middle and posterior columns and the load supported by the anterior and middle
columns will differ across different regions of the spine. Stress shielding of the anterior
column can contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of wedge fracture. There is a lack of
quantitative data related to regional spinal bone mineral density distribution over time. We …
altered biomechanical loading at the vertebral and spinal levels. The spine consists of the
anterior, middle and posterior columns and the load supported by the anterior and middle
columns will differ across different regions of the spine. Stress shielding of the anterior
column can contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of wedge fracture. There is a lack of
quantitative data related to regional spinal bone mineral density distribution over time. We …
