摘要 |
The present invention relates to the characterization of human bone microstructure that is applicable to methods of characterizing and predicting fracture initiation, propagation, and arrest. These methods involve the collagen orientation in proximity of osteocyte lacunae, such as the lacunar-ECM interface and perilacunar region, and the role that collagen orientation plays in micro-biomechanics. In particular, collagen orientation at the lacuna-matrix interface optimizes the magnitude of stresses during the elastic phase. Further, the role of collagen-apatite orientation at the interface between matrix and osteocyte lacuna delays micro-crack initiation, propagation, and arrest.
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