Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Software-Assisted Quantitative Measurement of Osteoarthritic Subchondral Bone Thickness
Published on: March 18, 2022
Density and strength distribution in the human subchondral bone plate of the patella
Sebastian Hoechel1, Dieter Wirz, Magdalena Müller-Gerbl
1Institute of Anatomy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to map the strength distribution of the human patella and correlate it to the subchondral bone plate density obtained by means of computed tomographyosteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM).
Methods:
Measurements were performed at 34 standardized points on each patella. The mineralization patterns of the subchondral bone plate of 20 patellae were displayed with the help of CT-OAM. False-coloured distribution patterns for our measurements were generated. The mechanical strength was determined at the same points by indentation testing.
Results:
We showed that neither the density nor the mechanical strength is distributed homogeneously but exhibited regular, reproducible distribution patterns which mirror long-term stress distribution in articular surfaces. A direct correlation was found between both parameters in the subchondral bone plate.
Conclusion:
The correlation of density and mechanical strength makes CT-OAM a valuable tool to assess and monitor changes in the strength of the subchondral bone plate in vivo.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Spongy Bone
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
Gross Anatomy of Bone
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in adults, it...

