The PIXE method is used for the determination of elemental concentrations in cancellous bone of human femoral head from five autopsies and seven patients with femoral neck broken. The specimen preparation and experimental procedure are described in detail. Using t test
the results show that the concentrations of P
Ca
Fe
Cu and Sr in control group is higher than those in patient group
but there is no remarkable difference for the concentrations of S
K
Zn and Mn. The physiological functions of some inorganic elements in human bone are also discussed.