Unraveling the structure of trabeculae within the proximal femur: What we know and what lies ahead

The proximal femur, a vital weight-bearing component of the human anatomy, depends on the intricate network of internal trabeculae for its structural integrity. Fueled by remarkable advancements in sophisticated imaging technologies, computer-assisted analysis, and the burgeoning field of biomechanical research, the architecture of the trabeculae within the proximal femur has become the subject of increasingly profound exploration. This article reviews the research on the trabecular structure of the proximal femur, elucidating its internal architecture, distribution patterns, and biomechanical mechanisms, as well as its association with proximal femoral fractures. Additionally, it offers a theoretical foundation and reference for the biomimetic design of internal fixation devices, aiming to mitigate the risk of postoperative fixation failure in the future.