Hip fractures are common and dangerous. Clinical diagnosis of fracture risk is based on assessing the overall density of the trabecular bone, but structural analysis of the bone may be more useful.
Poster: Isobel Sands
Supervisor:Prof. Chris Burgoyne
University: University of Cambridge
Summary:
The femoral head is composed of dense cortical bone supported by spongy trabecular bone. Risk of hip fracture increases with age, as the trabecular bone models itself to support vertical loading but becomes worse at supporting horizontal loading. The effects of osteoporosis – severe age-related loss of bone mass – exacerbates this problem.
Clinical diagnosis of fracture risk is based on assessing the overall density of the trabecular bone, which may not account for localised bone loss or account for the structural significance of the lost bone. Structural analysis of trabecular bone may be more useful.