Although large myelomeningoceles may be visualised on longitudinal scanning, smaller lesions are frequently only visible with meticulous transverse examinations of the entire vertebral column.
Prevalence rates were higher in women than men - possibly due to a higher prevalence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (discussed below).
Can strong back extensors prevent vertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis?
Primary end-points were new radiographic vertebral fractures and bone mineral density.
Estrogen-only therapy significantly increased the risk of stroke and significantly reduced the risk of hip, vertebral, and other total osteoporotic fractures.
At this age, the load-bearing capacity of the cortical ring is 20-25% of the total strength of the vertebral body.
With age, the load-bearing capacity of the vertebral body declines, and at the age of 70-80 years will reach values of about 150-300kg.
The utility loss the second and following years after a clinical vertebral fracture was set to 0.05 (36).
