[Experimental research on the quantitative computed tomographic prediction of the compressive strength of the thoracolumbar vertebrae].

Testing 98 motion segments we investigated the possibility of a prediction of the compressive strength of thoracolumbar vertebrae by QCT. The ultimate compressive strength can be predicted from the density of the trabecular bone and from the size of the endplates--both determined by QCT--with an error of 1 kN. The increase of compressive strength in craniocaudal direction is calculated at approximately 0.3 kN per anatomical level. This variation is due to the increase of the endplate areas.