Abstract: The present invention relates to the characterization of human bone microstructure that is applicable to methods of characterizing and predicting fracture initiation, propagation, and arrest. These methods involve the collagen orientation in proximity of osteocyte lacunae, such as the lacunar-ECM interface and perilacunar region, and the role that collagen orientation plays in micro-biomechanics. In particular, collagen orientation at the lacuna-matrix interface optimizes the magnitude of stresses during the elastic phase. Further, the role of collagen-apatite orientation at the interface between matrix and osteocyte lacuna delays micro-crack initiation, propagation, and arrest.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining an orientation of a cilium relative to a characteristic of the shape of the cell from which the cilium projects. Three-dimensional microscopy data may be used to determine an orientation of a cilium relative to a specified axis, which is determined from a profile for each cell. Such orientation may be used to forecast alter, or otherwise study the growth process of chondrocytes. Results indicate that the shape of chondrocytes, the position of the ciliary basal body, the incidence of cilia, and the orientation of cilium, are not random through the growth plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to scanning confocal microscopy used to systematically quantify characteristic collagen fibril orientations by position within the lamellar thickness of secondary osteons along the osteon radial direction. Fully calcified lamellar specimens appear either extinct or bright in cross-section under circularly polarized light, and can be isolated from embedded osteon, flattened, and examined along the radial thickness direction of the original embedded osteon. Collagen orientation is measured from confocal image stacks. Extinct and bright lamellae display distinct patterns of collagen orientation distribution. Relative counts of collagen fibrils that are longitudinal to the osteon axis in extinct lamellae, transverse to the osteon axis in bright lamellae, and oblique to the osteon axis in both lamellar types, show parabolic distribution through the osteon radial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the characterization of human bone microstructure that is applicable to methods of characterizing and predicting fracture initiation, propagation, and arrest. These methods involve the collagen orientation in proximity of osteocyte lacunae, such as the lacunar-ECM interface and perilacunar region, and the role that collagen orientation plays in micro-biomechanics. In particular, collagen orientation at the lacuna-matrix interface optimizes the magnitude of stresses during the elastic phase. Further, the role of collagen-apatite orientation at the interface between matrix and osteocyte lacuna delays micro-crack initiation, propagation, and arrest.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining an orientation of a cilium relative to a characteristic of the shape of the cell from which the cilium projects. Three-dimensional microscopy data may be used to determine an orientation of a cilium relative to a specified axis, which is determined from a profile for each cell. Such orientation may be used to forecast alter, or otherwise study the growth process of chondrocytes. Results indicate that the shape of chondrocytes, the position of the ciliary basal body, the incidence of cilia, and the orientation of cilium, are not random through the growth plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to scanning confocal microscopy used to systematically quantify characteristic collagen fibril orientations by position within the lamellar thickness of secondary osteons along the osteon radial direction. Fully calcified lamellar specimens appear either extinct or bright in cross-section under circularly polarized light, and can be isolated from embedded osteon, flattened, and examined along the radial thickness direction of the original embedded osteon. Collagen orientation is measured from confocal image stacks. Extinct and bright lamellae display distinct patterns of collagen orientation distribution. Relative counts of collagen fibrils that are longitudinal to the osteon axis in extinct lamellae, transverse to the osteon axis in bright lamellae, and oblique to the osteon axis in both lamellar types, show parabolic distribution through the osteon radial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of novel bone templates that can be prepared using a comprehensive approach to observing microstructural features of bone, including trabecular thickness and trabecular density. These features are assessed in regions of interest in a bone (e.g., proximal femur, distal femur, wrist, spine, etc.) as observed using digital radiographic techniques or clinical imaging, such as Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and computed tomography (CT) scanners. The microstructural features are presented in the form of data based on scanning results and are also assessed and/or organized in terms of age, gender, race, pathology, clinical history, and other patient population parameters. The template can be used to assess bone quality, predict the likelihood of bone fracture, and evaluate prosthesis design and placement, based on an image of a corresponding subject bone, e.g. the bone of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a geometric/material computer model of hierarchical bone based upon the viscoelastic properties of longitudinal and alternate osteons. The viscoelastic properties of osteons include, for example, mechanical properties and osteon content of various components such as collagen, mucopolysacharides, hydroxyapatite, osteocytes and osteoblasts. The invention also provides a method for preparing such a model.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a geometric/material computer model of hierarchical bone based upon the viscoelastic properties of longitudinal and alternate osteons. The viscoelastic properties of osteons include, for example, mechanical properties and osteon content of various components such as collagen, mucopolysacharides, hydroxyapatite, osteocytes and osteoblasts. The invention also provides a method for preparing such a model.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformations.