Aging process of the acetabular labrum--an electron-microscopic study

We have studied the aging process of the labrum of the hip using scanning and transmission electron-microscopes. The materials consisted of 22 human hip joint acetabula. Disruption and irregular ridges were evident on the uppermost superficial layer and the superficial layer of the labrum in their f...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inNippon Seikeigekagakkai zasshi Vol. 65; no. 1; p. 18
Main Author Tanabe, H
Format Journal Article
LanguageJapanese
Published Japan 01.01.1991
Subjects
Acetabulum - embryology
Acetabulum - ultrastructure
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging - pathology
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Middle Aged
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:We have studied the aging process of the labrum of the hip using scanning and transmission electron-microscopes. The materials consisted of 22 human hip joint acetabula. Disruption and irregular ridges were evident on the uppermost superficial layer and the superficial layer of the labrum in their fifties of age. Collagen fibers composing the labrum increased in density and sectional area in the specimens of subjects up to their twenties, but decreased in those of subjects in their thirties. At the joint of the labrum and articular cartilage, a bundle of fibers approximately 20 microns in diameter was observed to extend from the labrum to the cartilage, reinforcing the bond of these components. Disruption of this area starting on the acetabular side and leaving fibers of the labrum of about 400 to 500 microns on the cartilage side was more frequent in the specimens of subjects in their fifties of age. The changes with aging in the collagen fibers along with concentration of the stress of weight bearing at the point where the labrum meets the cartilage, may have some effect on the well-fitting of the acetabulum and femoral head.
ISSN:0021-5325