Image analysis of trabecular structure of the acetabulum in cadavers.
Trabecular structure of the acetabulum was studied in adult cadavers by means of image analysis. Two groups of trabecular patterns were distinguished in terms of orientation with reference to the frontal plane: one group runs concentric to the articular surface of the acetabulum, and the other rises perpendicular from it and runs radially. The density of the trabeculae tends to decrease with age, and density differences with age are more marked in non-weight-bearing than in weight-bearing regions. Older females, in comparison with males of the same age group, show lower trabecular density in non-weight-bearing regions. Regional differences were also noted with higher density in the anterosuperior and posteroinferior regions, decreasing centripetally from the margin of the acetabular fossa. The average density in weight-bearing regions was 6 per cent higher than that of non-weight-bearing regions. According to these findings, the trabecular pattern of the acetabulum has a structure responding to compressive and tensile stresses applied to the hip joints.
Taneda
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Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saitama Medical School, Japan.
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001857:Bone Matrix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors