[Topography of the mineralization front on different surfaces of the body of a vertebra].

Peculiarities of the relief of the mineralization front have been investigated on the periostal surface of the human vertebral body in several zones. The material has been obtained from male persons at the age of 20-84 years and studied by means of the light and scanning electron microscopy. The size of lateral surfaces of the vertebral body does not differ essentially from the relief of the periostal surfaces of other bones. In people of middle age certain changes in structure of the mineralized cartilage plate in the area adjoining the nucleus pulposus and the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc are demonstrated. In persons of elderly and old age a definite decrease in thickness of the cortical layer of the vertebra is noted. At the same time, the plate of the mineralized cartilage adjoining the cortical layer grows thicker and collagene fibers in the spinal column ligaments undergo mineralization. Sometimes, microfractures of the cortical plate of the vertebral body and Schmorl noduli are revealed.