[Relation between distribution of roentgen density and tensile strength to pressure and tension in the shaft center of the human tibia].

Investigations on 12 tibiae of 6 male corpses (68-81 years). In radiographs of cross-sectional slices from the middle of the shaft, the distribution of the density has been investigated by the method of Konermann (1971) and calibrated by a staircase of aluminium. In samples, taken from the positions anterior, medial, posterior and lateral, proximally and distally of the cross-section, tensile and compressive strength has been determined. From the results is concluded, that there exists functional adaptation of mechanical stress in the central part of the tibia with the following pattern: adaptation to tension at the locations anterior and medial, and adaptation to compression at the locations posterior and lateral. At the compression-side there is an additional adaptation by increased density.