Trabecular microfractures in the acetabulum. Histologic studies in cadavers.

The distribution of trabecular microfractures was studied in 39 cadaveric acetabula. The mean age of the group with microfractures was 71 years and the mean age of the group without fractures was 60 years. Most of the microfractures were located at the subchondral, weight-bearing portion of the acetabulum. Our observations suggest that trabecular microfractures are involved in the formation of bone cysts.