1.Analysis on microstructure and biomechanical properties in different regions of osteoporotic femoral head
Xiang-yan ZHANG ; Chao-g LIANG ; Xian-zhon TANG ; Wei YANG ; Jia WANG ; Hao-jie CHEN ; Guo-ning ZHANG ; Zhi-feng YU
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2017;32(1):E077-E082
Objective To investigate the structure and biomechanical property differences in different regions of the femoral head for elderly patients with femoral neck fractures, and to study its influence on internal fixation for fracture. Methods Twenty femoral head specimens were collected from elderly patients with femoral neck fracture after joint replacement. The femoral head was divided into 3 parts (lateral, inferior and medial region) with reference to anatomical markers on surface of the femoral head. After the position and drilling direction of the ring drill were determined, a circular drill was used to obtain the cylindrical cancellous bone columns with 10 mm in diameter and 10 mm in height. The data of cancellous bone columns in different regions were analyzed by Micro-CT scanning system, including bone volume fraction (BVF), trabecular space (Tb.Sp), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), the number of trabecular number (Tb.N), the bone surface volume ratio (bone surface/bone volume, BS/BV), structural model index (SMI). Mechanical property differences of bone tissues in different regions were calculated by micro-finite element analysis. ResultsBone mass in the elderly osteoporotic femoral head decreased, and there were significant differences in bone microstructure and mechanical properties in different regions of the femoral head. Bone microstructure and mechanical properties in medial region were obviously superior to those in lateral and interior region. Conclusions The bone structure and mechanical strength in medial region of the femoral head are obvious superior to those in lateral and inferior regions. The position for internal fixation should be fully considered during treatment of osteoporotic femoral neck fracture in clinic.