Intrinsic Modulus of Bone in Osteogenesis Imperfecta – a Nanoindentation Study

INTRODUCTION Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder that affects the production of type I collagen. A major characteristic of OI is bone fragility, caused in part by bone mass deficiency [1]. Impaired collagen network and abnormal mineralization have also been observed in OI [2,3], suggesting that bone material properties are also compromised. Little data, however, is yet available to describe bone material properties in OI. The objectives of this study were to measure and compare intrinsic elastic modulus (E) of bone tissue from young individuals with OI types I (mild) and III (severe), and to examine how this property varies between osteonal and interstitial regions.