Trabecular pattern indicators of bone viability and necrosis.

Hyperemic osteoporosis can be detected early on serial roentgenograms by loss of the fine trabecular pattern. Maintenance of the normal pattern may be a sign of avascular necrosis. During repair, the fine trabeculae reconstitute poorly, and new bone deposits on the remaining primary heavier trabeculae, leaving a permanent coarse pattern as an indication of former osteoporosis.