Advanced weathering cracks as an improvement on split-line preparations for analysis of structural orientation in compact bone.

Weathering cracks have been demonstrated to be equivalent to split-lines in compact bone. The amount of cracking becomes more extensive with time. Advanced weathering cracks have the potential for giving more complete information on orientation patterns than split-lines. They can also be superior in accuracy and objectivity of results obtained, in preserving the original condition of the bone, and in elimination of much of the work involved in making split-line preparations.