Nanoindentation study of normal and osteoporotic bones

Abstract

This paper investigates the nanomechanical properties of both normal and osteoporotic rat femur bones using the nanoindentation technique. Here, the Young's modulus and hardness were determined at specific locations within the bone. Microtomography was also used to evaluate the morphological differences between the bones. In general, the mechanical strength of osteoporotic bone was found to be lower than normal bone and the trabecular part more porous. The spatial resolution with which testing was carried out mattered in identifying the mechanical property and morphological differences at the micron and nanometer scale between normal and osteoporotic bones. This can help in the research on the diagnosis of osteoporosis or testing the efficacy of certain treatment methods.