[An evaluation of bone mineral mass and trabecular distribution on cross sections of thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies]

Abstract

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) has come into wide use. However, it is difficult to evaluate the bone mineral density of the thoracic vertebral body by QCT, because of the influence of the lungs, the difficulty in positioning etc. In this study, the CT-value and trabecular distribution of the bone area in the undecalcified section of the 8th thoracic, the 12th thoracic and the 3rd lumbar vertebral body were examined. As a result, no difference in bone mineral density and trabecular distribution of these vertebral bodies was recognized. In all vertebral bodies, moreover, the bone area was greater in the posterior part of the vertebral body than in the anterior part. Examining the correlation between age and trabecular distribution, trabeculae in the 12th thoracic vertebral body and the 3rd lumbar vertebral body similarly decreased with age.