A scanning electron microscopy-based approach to quantify resorption lacunae applied to the trabecular bone of the femoral head

Abstract

Resorption lacunae (RL) are discussed as stressors that can increase the risk of mechanical failure in a trabecular network. Quantification of RL has previously been described through the parameter eroded surface/bone surface (ES/BS) as established by light microscopy (LM) analysis, but the results have been inconsistent and contradictory. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a new study design for quantitative evaluation is introduced. To test its applicability a pilot study was executed with trabecular bone dissected from a femoral head of 28 autopsy subjects (14 female and 14 male). A 2.4 × 2.8 × 1.0 mm sample was excised 1.5 cm below the joint surface of each specimen in coronal medial slices of the femoral head and examined. A virtual grid with 1050 squares superimposed over the generated SEM image allowed determination of the ratio of squares containing R_L_ to squares with an u_naffected trabecular surface (RL/U). Classical ES/BS was assessed in parallel sections of the samples. The SEM, and to a lesser extent the qualitative different LM analysis, indicated a gender independent predominance of RL in subjects older than 50 years. This pilot study suggests that the new study design could be useful for acquiring quantitative RL data.