The distribution of mineral density in the cervical vertebral endplates

Abstract

Subsidence of various constructs into the vertebral body is a well-known complication in anterior fusion. Information on bone structure is needed, as a basis for improving these procedures. There are, however, no data available on the distribution of mineral density within vertebral endplates. In this study the regional distribution of mineralization within the cervical endplates with respect to endplate orientation (inferior and superior endplate) and level distribution (C3-C7) was examined by means of computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM). The distribution of mineralization in 80 cervical endplates of 8 spinal columns (4 male, 4 female, age range 38-62 years) in vertebrae C3-C7 was investigated by CT osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM). The subchondral mineralization distribution revealed considerable topographic differences within each endplate, whereby the areas of greatest density were found in the peripheral marginal zones with maxima in the posterolateral surface, whereas mineralization density was much lower in the central areas. The superior endplates showed an additional posteromedial maximum, whereas the inferior endplates showed an additional anterior mineralization maximum. Comparison of the distribution patters of inferior and superior endplates at different levels from C3 to C7 reveals a uniform increase of mineralization in the anterior portions from cranial to caudal. The mineralization distribution showed characteristic reproducible patterns. The maximal values occurred in the posterolateral parts, and can thus be considered a morphological substrate of high long-term loading. This can serve as a basis for improved prosthesis design and the anchorage point for various fusion techniques.

Density and strength distribution in the human subchondral bone plate of the patella

“…Unlike usual methods of CT densitometry, which allow measurements of absolute values for bone density in large areas, here the relative distribution is demonstrated over the whole joint surface in a false-colour diagram [16]. Using this method, Eckstein et al [13] described the maximum density of the subchondral bone plate of the human patella to be constantly localized on the lateral surface, which also supports the previous results on patellar architecture.…”

Glenoid subchondral bone density distribution in male total shoulder arthroplasty subjects with eccentric and concentric wear

“…7 In comparison with conventional methods of CT densitometry, which calculates an absolute value for bone density in a larger area, CT-OAM is capable of isolating and analyzing the differences in relative density around a defined joint surface, such as the glenoid. 8 Because the overall success of shoulder arthroplasty is partly dependent on the intrinsic properties of the underlying glenoid subchondral bone plate, 3D qualitative analysis of the glenoid bone stock would provide valuable information in further understanding methods that could improve survivorship in TSA. Despite numerous studies published on the subchondral bone density (SBD) distribution, 5,7,10 the SBD distribution of the osteoarthritic glenoid, particularly in surgical cases, has not been analyzed previously.…”

Long-term stress distribution patterns of the ankle joint in varus knee alignment assessed by computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry

“…CT osteoabsorptiometry can assess long-term stress distribution at individual joints in living subjects by measuring subchondral bone density. Previous studies using this method have evaluated stress distribution at each joint under various loading scenarios, from normal to pathological or postoperative conditions [18][19][20][21][22]. Clarification of the distribution pattern of ankle subchondral bone density in patients with malalignment of the lower limb may provide insights into the design of novel implants for ankle arthroplasty and the determination of clinical indications for ankle arthroplasty.…”