Macroscopic shape of, and lamellar distribution within, the upper limb shafts, allowing inferences about mechanical properties

Abstract

Collagen orientation maps were determined for the long bones of the upper forelimb (humerus, ulna, radius) using previously described techniques. All three bones had characteristic, non-random patterns of collagen fibre orientation. In the humerus, transverse collagen predominated in the medial and posterior cortices proximally and in the anterior and posterior cortices at the mid diaphysis. In the distal radius, the medial and anterior cortices contained mostly transverse collagen. In the proximal ulna, transverse collagen was found in the anterior and anterolateral cortices. These findings may be correlated to the distribution of bending forces that may be operative in these bones.