| [ Summary ] |
Bone structure is one determinant of bone strength. Non‒invasive assessment of bone structure is performed using imaging techniques. The relationship between bone structure and biomechanical properties is reviewed from the aspects of macroscopic (geometry) and microscopic structures (in both trabecular and cortical bone), as well as from ex vivo and in vivo analyses. The structures at low risk of fracture, are high volume trabecular bone, with a high degree of anisotropy, which is well‒connected and dominantly constructed of plate‒like trabeculae, as well as cortical bone having large cortical area or thickness and low porosity. In long bones, bending or buckling strength is calculated from geometrical indices ; the section modulus (SM) or buckling ratio (BR). |