AN X-RAY DIFFRACTION STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF RACHITIS UPON THE STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BONE

Abstract

Careful measurements were made on x-ray diffraction patterns of normal and rachitic bones. The longitudinal preferred orientation of the inorganic crystals of normal bone is destroyed as rachitis develops. Upon healing, the inorganic crystals or micellae do not regain their preferred orientation, although the organic constituent assumes the same form as in the normal bone.