Biomechanics of Bone BT - Accidental Injury: Biomechanics and Prevention

Abstract

Bone is a dynamic, living tissue. As a material as well as a structure, it is in a constant state of flux. Consequently, the ability of bone to resist an applied load before failure or fracture is dependent on multiple factors. Age, disease, hormone levels, too little load, too much load, or even the direction in which a load is applied can all influence the biomechanical properties of bone. In particular, the potential of the bone to resist fracture is affected by these physiologic and mechanical sources. This chapter defines the biomechanical properties of bone, first by explaining both its micro- and macroanatomic components, and second by describing how its structural and mechanical properties relate to this anatomy. A thorough understanding of this relationship allows one to consider how the aforementioned factors change the ability of bone to withstand an applied load.