Mechanical properties and bone densities of canine trabecular bone

The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the mechanical properties of canine epiphyseal cancellous bones from adult canine femoral heads, femoral condyles, tibial plateau, and humeral heads, using indentation and compression tests, and (2) to measure bone densities (apparent density and ash density) of these cancellous bones so as to develop a normal data base of mechanical strength and bone density. The correlations between the two mechanical tests and between these tests and bone densities were also considered. The results showed all of the three mechanical parameters, ultimate load, stiffness, and ultimate strength, measured by the indentation test were higher than those measured by the compression test. Correlation analysis showed that the two sets of mechanical values correlated well (r=0.823-0.952, p<0.01). The apparent density and ash density correlated well with the mechanical parameters determined by the two types of mechanical tests (r=0.737-0.966, p<0.05).