Investigation of bone tissue mechanical properties in the supra-acetabular region

Introduction The investigation of the trabecular bone strength in the acetabular area and its dependence on age and gender may provide a theoretical basis for the development of implants for bone replacement. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanical characteristics of the bone tissue in the supra-acetabular region in patients of different age groups. Materials and methods The cadaveric material of 60 patients was studied and included 20 young patients (age range, 18 to 44), 20 middle-aged patients (age range 45 to 59) and 20 elderly patients (age range, 60 to 74). Fragments of bone tissue 3 × 3 × 1.5 cm in size were removed from the supra-acetabular region using an osteotome. Cylindrical specimens, 6 mm in diameter and 9 mm high, were produced from these fragments using a crown cutter. All samples were subjected to uniaxial compression at a loading rate of 1 mm/min. Results Comparison of male patients for each of the mechanical parameters did not reveal age differences (p > 0.05). In women of different age groups, the magnitude of elastic deformation was significantly different both by multiple analysis and in pairwise comparison of groups (p 0.05). Discussion The data obtained on the mechanical behavior of the trabecular bone and the values of the strength parameters are explained by the spatial arrangement of the fibers of structural proteins, the cross-linking profile of collagen, the degree of matrix mineralization, the structure of hydroxyapatite, and the amount of bound water. Conclusion In male patients, mechanical characteristics of the bone tissue in the supra-acetabular region do not change significantly with age. In women, the value of elastic deformation increases significantly with age. The maximum tensile strength and modulus of elasticity in women of different ages did not show any changes.