[Morphological modifications od the upper femoral metaphysis on man stricken by osteoporotic disease]

A study of cancellous bone in the femoral upper metaphysis was performed using a micro-camera. In osteoporotic disease, a qualitative disorganization of bone and vessels occurs. Bone lamellae break off or fracture. Lacunae fine down some bone plates. Connective tissue replaces part or the totality of the hard structure. Some vessels are functional, some are not. Some walls disappear and flux runs out of their lumen, producing hematomae. Quantitative bone loss results in cavities. Adipocyte cells fill in the gaps. Browish deposits settle on the lamellae. It is suggested that these are either settling stem pigments from the breakdown of hemoglobin or micro-thrombuses.