Longitudinal changes in the orientation of trabecular bone in relation to the location in the distal radius.

The aim of this study was to examine changes in orientation of trabecular bone during growth and development in relation to the location of trabeculae between the epiphysial growth plate and the marrow cavity. Five annual hand-wrist radiographs of 57 children between 4-9 years of age, originating from the Nijmegen Growth Study, were analysed by a digital image processing system. Analysis was carried out on four adjacent areas of 7 mm x 7 mm located in the distal head of the radius between the epiphyseal growthplate and the marrow cavity. The orientation of the trabecular pattern was measured in twelve directions. The orientation of trabeculae at a standardized distance from the epiphysial growth plate did not change significantly during growth and development. The orientation in directions perpendicular to the long axis of the radius was higher in newly formed trabecular bone, which is located just below the epiphysial growthplate, than in older trabecular bone at a larger distance from the epiphysial growth plate. Observation of one single area during five years of growth and development showed a comparable development.