BONE-STRUCTURE STUDIES WITH HOLOGRAPHIC INTERFEROMETRIC NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING AND X-RAY-METHODS

Changes in the biomechanics and in the molecular texture and structure of isolated radioulnar bones of subadult European moose (Alces alces L.) collected in various environmentally polluted areas of Finland wer e investigated by means of holographic interferometric nondestructive testing (HNDT), radiological, morphometrical, and x-ray diffraction me thods. By means of small caudal-cranial bending forces, the surface mo vements of the lower end (distal epiphysis) of the radial bone were re corded with the HNDT method. To study bone molecular texture and struc ture changes under external compressing forces, the samples for x-ray diffraction analysis were taken from the upper end of the ulnar bone ( olecranon tip). Results showed that the bones obtained from the Harjav alta area and those of North Karelian moose showing malnutrition and h ealing femoral fractures produced different HNDT pictures compared wit h the four normally developed North Karelian moose. In the x-ray diffr action, the Harjavalta samples showed changes in molecular texture and structure compared with the samples from the apparently normal North Karelian animals.