Measurement of the differences in trabecular bone mechanical strength

The X-ray microtomography (XMT) pioneered by Elliot and Dover in 1982 [1] was developed and used in many studies [2] until now. While XMT is becoming a common technique in the laboratory studies, a standard for quantitative determination of the absolute material density distribution has not been attained. To date, a quantitative method of bone measurement on the microstructural level is not commonly available and relevant standards have not been defined or agreed. Therefore there is a need to progress this concept in the development and validation of quantitative measurement of the bone density. According to the known literature the results from the measurement of the bone mineral density performed by Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) correlate with the mechanical strength [3]. Therefore the correlation between results of XMT measurement and mechanical properties should be achieved to prove the usefulness of the method. As a preparation to the accurate validation of the XMT standard proper selection of the region of interest has to be achieved. This paper describes the measurement results of the trabecular bone mechanical strength and stiffness in the different regions of the femoral head. The main goal of the work was to establish a method of selection, dissection and preparation of the trabecular bone specimens with associated protocol including XMT scanning and mechanical tests.