title: [Microhardness measurement of the cartilage of the human femur head].
abstract: Resistance to compression of the cartilage of 29 heads of human femurs were studied with a microdetector. This instrument allows comparison between various samples of cartilage, taking into account the macroscopic aspect of the surface of the articulation. Study of samples using normal microscopy reveals that the hardness of the cartilage can vary considerably from one subject to another, without correlation with the microscopic aspect of the articulation surface, or the exact place of the biopsy or the age of the subject. The presence of superficial microfissures was correlated with significant diminution of the hardness of the cartilage. The most extensive lesions of the cartilage due to aging were observed in subjects with an intact cartilage that was less resistant than the others.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D005270:Femur Head / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D006245:Hardness Tests; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged
vernacular_title: Etude microdurimétrique du cartilage de la tête fémorale humaine.