Objective To study mechanical properties of traditional trajectory (TT) and modified cortical bone trajectory (MCBT) on osteoporotic vertebrae through finite element analysis. Methods The three-dimensional model of L4 segment was established, and pedicle screw (PS) (diameter 6.0 mm, length 45 mm) and MCBT screw (diameter 4.5 mm, length 40 mm) were placed on both sides of the lumbar spine. The pull-out strength and the load-displacement ratio of screws in two different screw trajectories under up, down, left, right working conditions were analyzed, and the stability between the screw and vertebral body under osteoporotic conditions was evaluated. Results Compared with TT, the pull-out strength of MCBT screw was increased by 13.1%. Compared with PS, the load-displacement ratio of MCBT screw under up, down and left working conditions was increased by 57.2%, 32.4%, and 31.6%. Under right working condition, although the load-displacement ratio of MCBT screw was higher than that of PS, no statistical difference was found. The load-displacement ratio of vertebral body in MCBT group under lateral bending and axial rotation was significantly higher than that in TT group. The load-displacement ratio of vertebral body in MCBT group under flexion was lower than that in TT group. Although the load-displacement ratio of vertebral body in MCBT group under extension was higher that that in TT group, no statistical difference was found. Conclusions MCBT is superior to TT in pull-out strength, screw stability and vertebral body stability under lateral bending and axial rotation, but its vertebral body stability under flexion and extension was weaker than that of TT. The research findings demonstrate the superiority of MCBT under osteoporotic conditions and lay the foundation for clinical application of MCBT.