[Quantitative study of the relationship between age and digital histological image of human femur]

The relationship between the bone digital histomorphometry data of the femoral head and the age was investigated. Proximal femur samples were obtained from 31 patients, during surgery for various orthopedic conditions. The histological section, through the fovea of the femoral head was taken. Tissue sections were decalcified and stained with haematoxilin and eosin. Those sections were used for further quantization. Histological image was scanned into the computer, using digital camera. With an image analysis computer program the following static measures were determined: number, area and circumference of trabeculas, bone marrow and empty spaces. Most parameters showed a weak association, when compared with age.