Effect of Bone Density on the Mechanical Properties of Human Bone

Research in cancellous bone has grown exponentially over the last 20 years and is still going on. The knowledge of the mechanical properties of cancellous bone will enhance the understanding of bonerelated fracture. Cancellous bone is a highly porous or cellular form of bone. Unlike most metal properties, cancellous bone is non-isotropic and its mechanical properties (elastic modulus, yield stress) will vary in the longitudinal, latitudinal and radial direction. Besides that, the mechanical properties also vary according to the bone density, even the bone density of human spine is different from the one found in the arm. The precise relationship between mechanical properties of cancellous bone and apparent density remains open question. In early 1970’s, Galante et al. [1] reported a linear relationship between strength and apparent density. Carter and Hayes [2] reported their squared power law relationship which has since becomes a benchmark. Thus, the relationship of the effect of bone density on the mechanical properties of human bone is required. This will further facilitate the analysis of biomechanics behaviour of the corresponding spinal segment in a cheaper and faster manner because the relationship obtained can be used in finite element analysis.