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Compressive creep behavior of bovine trabecular bone
S M Bowman1, T M Keaveny, L J Gibson
1Charles A. Dana Research Institute, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, MA 02215.
Journal of Biomechanics
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Trabecular bone exhibits creep behavior similar to metals and cortical bone, showing primary, secondary, and tertiary stages. High stress levels significantly reduce its strength over time.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Biomechanics
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Limited data exists on trabecular bone creep at the specimen level.
- Cortical bone creep behavior is well-documented, providing a basis for comparison.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the creep behavior of trabecular bone.
- To compare trabecular bone creep with that of cortical bone.
Main Methods:
- Uniaxial compressive creep tests were conducted on 24 bovine proximal tibia trabecular bone specimens.
- Six different normalized stress levels (stress/modulus) were applied.
- Creep curves, time-to-failure, and steady-state creep rates were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Trabecular bone demonstrated primary, secondary, and tertiary creep regimens, similar to metals and cortical bone.
- Power law relationships were established between normalized stress and time-to-failure (r2 > 0.82) and steady-state creep rate (r2 > 0.82).
- High stresses (approx. 50% of ultimate strength) applied for 5 hours substantially reduced trabecular bone strength.
Conclusions:
- The creep behavior of trabecular bone is qualitatively similar to that of cortical bone.
- Reduced strength due to prolonged high stress may contribute to age-related fractures if bone remodeling is insufficient.
- Further research into creep mechanisms in trabecular bone is warranted.