Experimental assessment of biomechanical properties in human male elbow bone subjected to bending and compression loads

Abstract

This work discusses the biomechanical testing of 3 elbow bones, namely the humerus, ulna, and radius. There is a need to identify the mechanical properties of the bones at the organ level. The following tests were performed: 3-point bending, fracture toughness, and axial compression. Six sets of whole-bone samples of human male cadaveric humerus, ulna, and radius (age of donor: 35 to 56 years) were tested. The results were analyzed for statistical significance by 2-stage, repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). The difference between the bending strength of the humerus, ulna, and radius was statistically significant ( P = .001) when compared to one another. However, the fracture toughness and compressive strength were observed to be similar for the 3 bones. The knowledge of mechanical properties of elbow bones can aid in the design of elbow implants and upper limb protection systems, and also allow us to identify criteria for injury. Further, knowledge of the mechanical properties of the elbow bones can aid in calibrating simulations through finite elements analysis.