A FRACTOGRAPHIC STUDY OF HUMAN LONG-BONE

The architecture of the fracture surfaces as a whole, and of the local morphology of the fractured microstructure, was examined. This led to a classification of the fractographic features observed. Several quantitative characteristics of the experimental fracture surfaces were explored, including the number (n//o), volume fraction (p//o), and average cross-sectional area (A OVER BAR //o) of the osteons. These parameters were compared with the same data for cross-sections of the bone beneath the fracture surfaces. The results show a short-range fluctuation in the microstructural constitution of the diaphysis close to the fracture surface, with lower values of n//o, p//o and A OVER BAR //o at the fracture surface.