Prediction of mechanical properties of cortical bone by quantitative computed tomography

The relevance of Finite-Element models for hip fracture prediction should be increased by the recent subject-specific methods based on computed tomography (CT-scan), regarding the geometry as well as the material properties. The present study focused on the prediction of subject-specific mechanical parameters of cortical bone (Young's modulus and ultimate strength) from the bone density measured by CT. A total of 46 compression and 46 tension samples from 13 donors (mean age+/-S.D.: 81.8+/-12.7 years) were harvested in the femoral mid-diaphysis and tested until failure. The Young's modulus and ultimate strength were linearly correlated with the bone density measured by CT, for tension as well as compression (0.43