The effect of variation in specific gravity and ash content on the mechanical properties of human compact bone

Abstract

The ash percentage and specific gravity were determined of samples of compact bone of the linea aspera of forty-five fresh, adult femora. Relationships were examined between these variables and the tensile strength and the modulus of elasticity of compact bone. Tensile strength was affected by variation in specific gravity of bone, but was not affected by variation within the observed range of ash percentage of the sample. The value of the modulus of elasticity was not affected by variation within the range observed of specific gravity of bone, but was affected by variation in ash percentage of the tissue.