Mechanical properties of individual trabeculae in a physiological environment

Martin Frank, Dorothee Marx, Dieter H. Pahr, Philipp J. Thurner

Research output: Contribution to book/report/conference proceedingContribution to conference proceeding

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Reliable mechanical properties of trabecuale are needed at the tissue-level for prediction of mechanical behavior of the overall trabecular structure using Finite element analysis (FEA). The aim of this study was to develop a set-up to test trabeculae in tension in a close to physiological environment, and to determine reliable tissue-level properties. Ten bovine trabeculae were tested until failure. Tissue-stress can only be indirectly determined, since it is based on a defined cross-sectional area. Different geometrical assumptions for the cross-section were compared. The mean tissue Youngs modulus, based on the assumption of an elliptical cross-sectional area, was 9.9 ± 3.4GPa, the mean tissue ultimate tissue strain 9.8 ± 3.9%. Back-calculation of the tissue Youngs modulus by means of FEA illustrated a significant reduction to 8.2 ± 2.4GPa (p < 0.001). However, with simple geometric assumptions, it is possible to estimate a reasonable upper and lower boundary for the tissue Young's modulus. Full-field strain measurements were done to detect localization of strain. It was shown that local strain peaks occur already early after yielding, with a local strain at fracture of 19.7 ± 6.6%. These findings clearly show that individual trabeculae can withstand much higher tissue strains as previously reported.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 13th IASTED International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, BioMed 2017
EditorsRita Kiss, Philipp J. Thurner
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages141-146
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780889869905
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 05 Apr 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event13th IASTED International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, BioMed 2017 - Innsbruck, Austria
Duration: 20 Feb 201721 Feb 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 13th IASTED International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, BioMed 2017

Conference

Conference13th IASTED International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, BioMed 2017
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityInnsbruck
Period20.02.201721.02.2017

Keywords

  • bone fracture risk assessment
  • hydration
  • local strain
  • post-yield behaviour
  • structural influence
  • tensile test

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomedical Engineering

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