Local and global microarchitecture is associated with different features of bone biomechanics

•Global and local microarchitecture were associated with different features of bone biomechanics.•Localized low density and/or impaired microarchitecture regions could have major impact on bone mechanical behavior.•Global microarchitecture determined initial and post-fracture vertebral stiffness.•Local microarchitecture determined initial and post-fracture vertebral failure load.