Method of mechanical tests for cantilever loading of the metatarsal bones

The development and implementation of methods for quantitative assessment of biomechanical parameters of osteotomies are important issues in modern orthopedics. The analysis of characteristics of different types of osteotomies is of great significance, as it can contribute to reducing complications and improving surgical treatment of the foot. In order to conduct experiments on bones with unchanged mechanical properties, a new method of fixing bone samples was developed and tested, which allows for mechanical testing in cantilever bending and/or axial compression on the day of bone material extraction, which was previously impossible due to a number of problems. During the study, a universal steel device was designed that allows for fixing the sample at a 15-degree angle to the horizontal. The device's universality lies in the fact that the tube, in which the sample is fixed, can be detached and then installed on a stationary crossbar of the testing machine, which ensures axial compression of the sample at a 15-degree angle to the vertical axis. A comparative analysis of adhesive compositions of three types for fixing the material in the device was also conducted. It was found that a mixture of cyanoacrylate glue and baking soda allows for conducting experiments without loss of mechanical properties of bone tissue. Thus, the developed and described methodology by the authors allows for preparing samples of the metatarsal bone for testing under cantilever loading in a short period of time, which eliminates changes in the properties of bone tissues due to a long break between extraction and experiment, as well as due to bone freezing.