The scanning electron microscopy of compressed vertebral bodies.

Scanning electron microscopy was used in this study to determine the effects of compression at different rates on the structure of trabecular bone in primate vertebral bodies. Rhesus monkey vertebral bodies were subjected to compressive loads at two different strain rates (8.89 x 10(-1) m/sec and 8.89 x 10(-5) m/sec). Each vertebral body was compressed to 50% of its original height. S-shaped bending of trabeculae was present in bodies compressed at the lower strain rate, while fractures were more predominant at the higher strain rate. The percentage of recovered height following compression was greater at the lower strain rate. Recovery of compressed vertebral bodies probably occurs through an unfolding of bent trabeculae. The more severe the damage to the vertebral trabeculae, the less recovery occurs.