The mechanical properties of trabecular bone: dependence on anatomic location and function

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Biomedical Engineering
• Skeletal Biology and Biomechanics

Background:

• Trabecular bone mechanical properties vary significantly across human skeletal sites.
• These variations are linked to functional adaptation, as described by Wolff's Law.
• Early work by Evans and King (1961) established foundational understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize the extensive research on trabecular bone material properties and anisotropy.
• To highlight the importance of accurately quantifying bone architecture.
• To underscore the impact of this research on bone and bone-implant modeling.

Main Methods:

• Cataloging trabecular bone material properties from diverse skeletal locations (femur, tibia, vertebrae, etc.).
• Analyzing the relationship between bone density and material properties using linear and power functions.
• Developing and applying algorithms to quantify bone architecture (anisotropy, connectivity, morphology).

Main Results:

• Demonstrated significant variations in trabecular bone material properties and anisotropy across the human skeleton.
• Identified linear and power relationships between bone density and mechanical properties.
• Advanced methods for quantifying bone architecture.

Conclusions:

• Functional remodeling significantly influences trabecular bone properties.
• Accurate quantification of bone architecture is crucial for advanced modeling.
• Understanding bone properties enhances models of bone formation, resorption, and implant integration.