Mechanical testing of cancellous bone (Bio-mechanics) Essay

Mechanical testing of cancellous bone (Bio-mechanics) - Essay Example Therefore, the plotting of stress curves was done. Basing on the intercept and the slope of the graph obtained in this experiment, compressive strength, the stiffness, the zero strain point, as well as the failure strain were then calculated. It was found that density was in directly proportion with the three mechanical properties (stiffness, strength, and failure strain) for samples from porcine, as well as bovine bone. Following these results, it was concluded therefore, that the mechanical behaviour of cancerous bone in both pig and the cow is almost similar although it was somewhat lower in the cow samples relative to that from porcine. Trabecular bone or the cancerous bone is the porous material that often represent a type of osseous tissue forming bones (Jee, 1996). Research indicates that trabecular bone has a higher surface area relative to other types of osseous tissues (Foss, 1992). Contrary, it has been found to have less density and stiffness (Currey, 1987). Arguably, the cancerous bone mechanical behaviour is somewhat similar to the other related cellular materials including the polymeric. This is because of its possessing a cellular structure consisting of the connected network of plates and rods (Bursten, & Frankel, 1999). There are contributing factors to the cancerous bone strength with bone density identified as one such factor. According to WHO (1994) there is need to determine the fracture risks using bone mineral density. It is also worth noting that other than the density of the bone, testing conditions, as well as the species of the animal are essential factors affecting the stiffness and strengt h of cancerous bones (Bell, Olive & Grabb, 1988). From the explored body of literature, it is evident that there are numerous experiments that have been conducted with a view of evaluating the density, and strength of a bone. However, there are limited research conducted on dependent of the strength of the cancerous bone on either