Osteopenic Dystrophy of LII, LIII and LIV: is there a Relationship between the Expression of the Changes and Functional Purpose of the Vertebrae?

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the nature of the histomorphometric changes in the bone tissue in the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae depending on their functional purpose. Material. Fragments of the bone tissue of the L_II, L_III and L_IV vertebrae obtained during autopsy from 14 men (the average age was 59.1 ± 12.0) and 16 women (the average age was 59.1 ± 15.8). Results. Statistically significant differences were found between the indicators characterizing the severity of osteopenic dystophia in L_III (more pronounced changes) and L_II, L_IV (less pronounced changes). Conclusion. The severity of osteopenic dystrophy at the level of the lumbar spine is determined by the location or otherwise, the functional purpose of the vertebrae: the lowest values of the indicators characterizing the severity of osteopenic dystrophy should be expected at the level of L_III, and the highest at the levels of L_II, L_IV and, possibly, L_V.