Post-Fracture Changes of the Femur Cortex

Abstract

Roentgenograms of the femora were obtained in 21 patients who on average 10 years earlier had sustained a fracture of the shaft of one tibia. On the fracture side a slightly uneven “spotted” appearance could be detected in most patients. Also, the marrow canal was about 10 per cent wider in the femora of the fractured limb - this widening was unrelated to the time factor, indicating a permanent loss of endosteal bone.

Key Words:

• cortical bone
• fracture
• osteoporosis