RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Technique for identifying cutting artefacts in sections of undecalcified bone biopsy specimens. JF Journal of Clinical Pathology JO J Clin Pathol FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists SP 516 OP 517 DO 10.1136/jcp.43.6.516 VO 43 IS 6 A1 D J Wood A1 W H Mawhinney A1 A J Malcolm A1 J Stevens YR 1990 UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/43/6/516.abstract AB Areas of fragmentation found in trabecular and cortical bone of iliac crest biopsy specimens have been described as bone quality defects and were thought to be the major factor responsible for femoral neck fractures. These appearances have also been regarded as cutting artefacts and to resolve this difference of opinion consecutive sections cut at right angles to each other in biopsy specimens from 15 patients with femoral neck fractures were compared. Sections were assessed by four independent observers; agreement by at least three was required before an area was accepted as a bone quality defect. In all, 270 were identified. Of the 161 found in sections cut parallel to the cortices, there were only 20 (12%) in coincident areas in consecutive sections. This study shows conclusively that areas of fragmentation previously described as bone quality defects are not artefacts which may be created or excluded depending on the plane of section.