Thesis

Biomechanical characterisation of osteoporotic bone

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2013
Thesis identifier
  • T13667
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Abstract
  • Osteoporosis and related fractures are among the most common health problems affecting contemporary society. Characterised by a fall in the bone mass of the sufferer and disruption to their bone microarchitecture, osteoporosis leads to heightened bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture. As osteoporosis frequently goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs, an accurate and non-invasive method of assessing bone mechanical properties could be of great importance in the assessment of osteoporosis and fracture risk. Although bone strength cannot be measured directly in vivo, factors such as bone mineral density (BMD) and bone geometry, determined via imaging techniques such as peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), can be used to devise an estimate. In this study cadaveric human tibiae (n = 3) were analysed in an attempt to determine whether their mechanical properties were influenced by BMD and/or geometry. The tibiae were scanned using pQCT, following which they were mechanically tested in torsional loading, a mode of loading which frequently which causes fracture in vivo. BMD and geometric features of the tibiae were determined by image analysis of the pQCT scans. The results revealed the existence of a very strong relationship between bone strength and BMD (R2 = 0.9989); and, a positive relationship between bone strength and geometric properties (J: R2 = 0.3085, CSA: R² = 0.4607). The results of the study suggest that both BMD and geometric features play an important role in bone strength and should be taken into account when assessing osteoporosis and fracture risk. Further work in this area could lead to the development of accurate, non-invasive techniques appropriate for the early diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of osteoporosis, thereby allowing the development of effective prevention and, where necessary, treatment and management strategies.
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DOI
Date Created
  • 2013
Former identifier
  • 1005058

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