Anatomic variation of the mechanical properties of the glenoid

Finite element analysis modeling is an important tool in the design of total joint replacements. However, to use a finite element analysis the material properties of the studied bone must be known. The aim of the study was to measure the elastic properties of the glenoid bone in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes with an ultrasound transmission technique. The relative density and Houndsfield computed tomography numbers were also assessed. Three pairs of scapulas were obtained from unembalmed human cadavers. Seventy-four cubic cancellous bone specimens of 6 mm were used for ultrasonic measurements. The study showed significant differences with anatomic location. Mechanical properties of cancellous bone were found to be higher near the direction of application of the resultant force, perpendicular to the articular surface of the glenoid. Mechanical properties were found to be significantly higher at the center and posterior edge of the glenoid (p < 0.01). Significant differences were also found in the three planes studied. The lateromedial Young's modulus (E1) was higher than the anteroposterior modulus (E2) and the superoinferior modulus (E3) (E1 = 372 +/- 164 MPa, E2 = 222 +/- 79 MPa, E3 = 198 +/- 75 MPa).