Scanning electron microscopy of the articular surfaces of the hip joint disorders.

The specimens from 19 femoral heads with various abnormalities are observed with scanning electron microscopy, comparing with light microscopic findings. Villi and plica appearance implies the fibrillated surface of degenerated cartilage with fibrous tissue proliferation. Beside these findings, craters with their associated undulations of concentric circles or guitar-shaped figures are visualized in the areas histologically showing the exposed cartilage of the deep zone. The undulations are correspondent to the fine clefts of the shredding surface. From the observations reported here, the existence of the lamellar system around the chondrocyte lacuna is proposed in the deep matrix of the articular cartilage.