Mechanical failure begins preferentially near resorption cavities in human vertebral cancellous bone under compression

► We examine microdamage caused by compressive loading of cancellous bone. ► We found that microdamage is much more likely to form around resorption cavities. ► Damage volume fraction (DV/BV) was strongly correlated with eroded surface. ► Resorption cavities promote local mechanical failure and may impair bone strength.