[Functional adjustment of joints with different mechanical stress]

Abstract

The density of osseous tissue and the alignment of the cancellous trabeculae of the hip joint depend on magnitude, direction and position of the resultant force affecting the hip joint. The cancellous architecture surrounding the acetabulum moreover is influenced by forces acting at the symphysis and the iliosacral joints. The articular bones of the ankle joint are subjected to compressive stress. In the lateral areas of the joint a bending stress which results from tensile forces exerted by the collateral ligaments is superimposed on the compressive stress.