Scanning Electron Microscopy of Collagen Fiber Orientation in the Bone Lamellar System in Non-Decalcified Human Samples

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Abstract
Previous studies on collagen fiber orientation have led to different interpretationsand theories about the fiber arrangement in the lamellar compact bone. The purpose of this investigation was to provide new and more in-depth data on fiberarrangement in the lamellar bone system in order to explain the orientation of thefiber bundles. This was carried out by applying a simple method of preparationwhich permitted observation of non-decalcified samples. A previously isolatedHaversian system was subjected to slow bending up to reaching the fracturepoint. Hence, the fracture surface was observed by SEM. The same sampleswere also observed by polarized light microscopy. A significant alternation offiber orientation in the adjacent lamellae was observed. Different domains of differently oriented fibers were present within the same lamella; conjugating fibersconnecting adjacent lamellae were also shown. This method avoided most of theartifacts due to chemical treatment of bone samples. The results can be easilyinterpreted by means of the same criteria applied in mechanics for the studyingof composite materials.

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