High-resolution X-ray scattering tensor tomography study of the age-related structural changes in the human femoral neck cortex

The loss of bone in osteoporosis is a critical challenge for ageing populations, as the corresponding reduction of bone strength leads to a significant increase in fracture risk. In spite of a major effort aimed at the clinical and economic management of the disease, a deeper understanding of the microstructural changes in bone tissue as a function of age is still missing. In the context of a series of multi-scale structural, mechanical and numerical studies, this experiment aims to acquire high-resolution small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering tensor tomography measurements of the human femoral cortex at a sub-lamellar level. Combining these measurements with micro-mechanical testing will allow us to investigate structure-property relations at the micro-scale, which will contribute to the development of a non-linear homogenized finite element model of the proximal femur, with the aim of improving the assessment of hip strength and fracture predictions in the ageing human hip.