ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the methods commonly used for biomechanical evaluation of bone or bone replacement materials and substantially expands upon the authors’ previous review of biomechanical test methods.
It is assumed that the reader has a basic understanding of skeletal anatomy and mechanics of materials (these topics are covered in Chapter 1, Integrated Bone Tissue Physiology, by Jee and Chapter 6, Mechanics of Materials, by Cowin). There are a wide variety of experimental techniques available for evaluation of bone structure, microstructure, and biomechanics. Many of these are described in detail in other chapters. Techniques not covered in this chapter but covered elsewhere in the book include measurement of bone structure and mineral density using X-ray techniques (Chapter 9 by Rüegsegger and Chapter 34 by Kaufman and Siffert), quantification of trabecular structure (Chapter 14 by Odgaard), measurement of microdamage (Chapter 17 by Jepsen, Davy, and Akkus), measurement of
