[Elasticity modulus of lyophilized cortical bone in the human femur]

The visco-elastic properties of the lyophilized cortical bone of the human femur has been studied by means of the balance rheometer. The samples of bone were harvested from healthy individuals who suddenly died or committed suicide. The donor age ranged from 35 to 45 years. The measurements were taken with the use of the balance rheometer at 20 degrees Celsius and sample deformation frequency of 12.5 Hz. It was found, that elasticity modulus of the lyophilized human cortical bone is about 30 per cent higher than the modulus of fresh cortical bone. In the elastic range the modulus depended on an amplitude of deformation. The compact lyophilized bone turned out to possess to a small degree also viscous properties; thus it should be considered as an elastic-viscous material with considerable superiority of elastic properties.