Biomechanics of Bone

How much stress the bone can withstand before it yields represents bone strength.  The curves below show that bone strength is influenced by the type of force arrangement; this is called the anisotropic response of bone.  How does the strength of bone compare to other biomaterials? Click here to find out.

The mechanical behavior of bone is also influenced by its material composition and organizational structure as shown below.  Before you go any further, please see your text for specifics about the materials and structures of bone (pg 88-89; Fig. 4-1).  Minerals (e.g., calcium, fluoride, etc) contribute to bone's hardness, compressive strength, and stiffness, whereas collagen provides flexibility, tensile strength, and compliance (inverse of stiffness). Cortical bone is stiffer and stronger than trabecular bone, whereas trabecular bone has greater shock absorbing capabilities than cortical bone.