Экспериментальные исследования ХИРУРГИЯ ПОЗВОНОЧНИКА © В.В. Рерих и др., 2014 restoration of shape and strength of the thoracolumbar vertebral bodies with alumina bioceramic granules Objective. To analyze the efficacy of the restoration of shape and strength of fractured vertebral bodies of the thoracolumbar junction by bone defect substitution with alumina bioceramic granules. Material and Methods. The study was conducted on 19 vertebrae obtained from thoracolumbar spines of four individuals died from extra-vertebral pathology. All specimens were subjected to axial compression resulting in vertebral body deformation. Thereafter, reconstruction of the vertebrae was performed with alumina granules and deproteinized bone granules inserted under pressure into their bodies. Results. Vertebral reconstruction resulted in increase in the height of anterior, middle and posterior portions of the vertebral bodies. Mean vertebral body strength was 3.223 MPa in specimens with bioceramic granules and 3.018 MPa in specimens with deproteinized bone granules. The compressive strength of the vertebrae after reconstruction with alumina bioceramic granules exceeded the original value by 8.00 %, while that after insertion of deproteinized bone granules decreased by 23.01 %. Conclusion. Reconstruction of compressed vertebral bodies with alumina bioceramic granules allows to restore both the shape and compressive strength of the vertebral body in experiment.