Mechanical Testing of Bone Ex Vivo

The primary function of bone is to form the skeleton, which provides support for the body and protection for vital organs. These are primarily mechanical functions. To fulfil these, the bone matrix has to have the right combination of stiffness and strength to enable it to withstand the forces imposed upon it. These forces may be repetitive and moderate, such as those generated during walking, or high and transient, such as inflicted by a blow on the head. The structure and composition of bone can adapt over time to try match the mechanical properties of the bone to the prevailing demands being placed on it. How to measure some of these mechanical properties is the aim of this chapter.