Microfractures in the head of the femur.

Microfractures of the trabeculae were studied in the femoral heads of three different population groups. The femoral heads were sliced and then examined with a dissecting microscope. Microfractures were found in large numbers in specimens from British patients who had suffered femoral-neck fracture, and in smaller numbers in femoral heads -aken routine autopsy in India and in China (Hong Kong). There were many more microfractures in the thinner, lightly stressed trabeculae than in the thicker weight-bearing trabeculae in the fractured femoral-neck specimens. The significance of these findings is discussed in the light of current concepts regarding the pathogenesis and significance of trabecular microfractures.