Architectural 3-d parameters and anisotropic elastic properties of cancellous bone

摘要

Osteoporosis and age-related changes in the mechanical properties of bones result in typical fractures, which lead to considerable morbidity and mortality, nad which represent a major borden to the health systems of industrialized countries. The development of accurate and precise methods for monitoring changes to the mechanical properties is a first requirement for the advancement of new treatments and for determining individual fracture risks. There seems to be consensus that cancellous bone is or particular interest with regard to osteoporosis, as practically all osteoporotic fractures occur in locations where cancellous bone is predominant, i.e. the vertebral column, the neck of the femur and the distal radius.