An inexpensive alternative approach to bone compression analyses

A new method for testing the compression strength of vertebrae was developed and implemented using minimal resources and time expenditure. The device digitally measured and analyzed the torque and force necessary to load rat lumbar and thoracic vertebrae to failure. The system was calibrated using a series of known lead masses. Similar to other standardized force/compression and torque devices, this method has been shown to provide reliable and reproducible results. Furthermore, although vertebrae were the only specimens used to collect data in these initial studies, this measurement system could be altered quite easily to allow for a variety of test materials.