The effect of different storage methods on the mechanical properties of trabecular bone

The effect of different storage methods on the elastic and viscoelastic properties of trabecular bone was examined using non-destructive compression tests to 0.45% specimen strain. There was a 10% decrease in stiffness during the first 24 h post mortem. Storage by freezing or in ethanol for 100 d did not change the stiffness, and neither did several thawing, testing and refreezing sequences. The viscoelastic properties were more sensitive to storage and showed significant although small changes during 100 d of storage. The effect of defatting the specimens was a 30% increase in stiffness and a 50% decrease in viscoelastic energy dissipation.