[Microstructural examinations of the behavior of human cortical bone after compression osteosynthesis]

20 samples of human cortical bone removed from the subtrochanteric region after introchanteric femoral osteotomies with subsequent fixation by a blade plate were examined for studies of the phenomenon of cancellous transformation. Previous experiments with animals can be confirmed. A dilatation of Haver's canals in the direction from endosteum peripherally becomes apparent. This quantitative loss of cortical density is associated with a loss of mineral density. Under polarisation and scanning microscopy a derangement of collagen fibrils usually arranged in an oriented fashion can be shown. The loss of mechanical properties is discussed in connection with the derangement of orientation of collagen fibrils.