PROGRESSIVE ENLARGEMENT OF THE VERTEBRAL BODY AS PART OF THE PROCESS OF HUMAN SKELETAL AGEING

Abstract

Both longitudinal and cross-sectional evaluation of the body of the third cervical vertebra reveal that age-associated continuing enlargement occurs in women through adulthood and into the later years. It is possible that this overall gain in a weight-bearing segment may be an important factor in vertebral osteoporosis and ultimate compression fracture. The enlargement reported here together with known reduced bone mass in ageing may help to explain human skeletal failure.