X-ray morphology of the joints and the bones of the extremities of aged people

The radiograms of the healthy extremities of aged people are analyzed and the normal formations, typical at higher age, are differentiated from the pathological phenomena. The ''physiological'' decalcification can cause the following symptoms: trabecular microfractures, areas without structure, pseudoforamena, discrete spicules at the edges of the joints, periostoses, fibrous structure of the compacta. The deformations occurring in the different joints are detailed. The relationship between high age and arthrosis is also investigated. It is concluded that the occurrence of arthrosis is not inevitable and it is not seriously influenced neither by the weight nor by the profession of the patient. The thesis contains 49 radiograms. (L.E.)