Cortical Bone Mechanics and Composition: Effects of Age and Gender

Abstract

Bone fragility fractures are a major health care concern for postmenopausal women and the elderly of both genders. Postmenopausal and age-related osteoporosis/osteopenia is a major contributor to the risk of such fractures. Since cortical bone is the major load bearing tissue, the effects of age, gender, and pathological changes on the mechanical competence of cortical bone tissues have been of great interest to bone researchers. This chapter provides the information on the current understanding of the micro/ultrastructural and compositional properties and their contribution to the bulk mechanical (elastic, plastic, and viscous) behavior of cortical bone tissues. In addition, the effect of age and gender on the structural/compositional properties and their impacts on the mechanical competence of cortical bone are also discussed.