The relationship between vertebral body deformity and disc degeneration in lumbar spine of the senile

This study provides an investigation of the relationship between vertebral deformities and disc degeneration in patients with senile osteoporosis using biomechanical and medical imaging methods. The finite element analysis showed that stress concentration in the central area of the vertebral body is much decreased with disc degeneration, indicating that load transmission has been altered. Radiography and MRI suggested that vertebral deformities are related to the height and degeneration of the disc just below this vertebral body. When a disc has decreased height or degeneration, the vertebral body just above it is less likely to be deformed for patients with spinal osteoporosis. Received: 22 February 1997 Revised: 26 July 1997 Accepted: 1 August 1997