Scanning small angle X-ray scattering analysis of human bone sections

Scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (scanning SAXS) was applied for the f irst time on bone to compare results from SAXS directly with those from oth er position-sensitive methods, such as light and polarized light microscopy , back-scattered electron imaging, and radiographic imaging. Since scanning SAXS is a nondestructive method of investigation, images from all these te chniques could be obtained from the same bone sections. Thus, it could be s hown that both the collagen and the mineral crystals were predominantly ali gned parallel to the trabeculae and, therefore, to principle stress directi ons. Moreover, the mean crystal thickness as determined by scanning SAXS wa s found to be different at various positions inside the trabecular and cort ical structure. Finally, it could be shown that scanning SAXS is suitable f or detecting local changes in bone material, e.g., due to fluoride treatmen t.