We compared the structure of lamellar bone in anterolateral zones of vertebral bodies in adult and senile subjects in health and osteoporosis. The appearance of structural signs of age-related osteopenia and enlargement of coplanar consolidations of the bone matrix crystals were noted. Osteopenia was more pronounced in osteoporosis, while the structural organization of the mineral component did not differ from that in age-matched controls.

Structural organization of the bone mineral phase formed by intra-and interfibrillar lamellar crystals is studied by scanning electron microscopy and cryofractography. Rod-shaped crystals are found only in collagen fibrils of the bone lacuna wails. Intra-and interfibrillar crystals form numerous contacts, ensuring the integrity of the bone mineral phase.