Trabecular bone changes in the greater trochanter after fracture of the femoral neck

Abstract

Bone samples were taken from the trabecular part of the greater trochanter in 32 patients who had had a fracture of the ipsilateral femoral neck, and from 24 patients who had coxarthrosis. 42 cadavers served as controls. The samples were sectioned, stained and examined histologically.

The coxarthrosis cases differed only slightly from normal, whereas the fracture cases had increased osteoid volume and surface. Osteoclasts were also increased in number, as were active osteoblasts.

Key words:

• bone
• femur
• fracture
• osteoarthritis
• osteoporosis