Bonney, Heather and Colston, Belinda and Goodman, A. M. (2007) Regional variation in the microhardness and mineral content of porcine long bones. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology , 146 (4). S123 . ISSN 1095-6433

Preview

PDF Bonney,_Colston,_Goodman_Bone_abstract_SEB_2007.pdf Download (53Kb)

Abstract

Pig carcasses are frequently used as models for the human cadaver in the study of trauma and wound patterns. Limited availability and ethical concerns over the use of human tissue has meant that porcine bone is often used as a substitute for human bone in such studies. However, there is a lack of comprehensive mechanical data to make informed decisions on the choice of model to account for variations in the age, sex and body mass. In this study, variation in the properties of cortical bone along the length of the porcine humerus and ulna, from five female pigs aged over 36 months, was investigated by using Vickers microhardness tests. Transverse sections were taken from the proximal, mid and distal regions of the diaphyses, and tests were carried out in the anterior, medial, posterior, and lateral quadrants. Microhardness was also measured across the cortex from the periosteal to endosteal surfaces. Regional variation in mineral content was explored by analysing samples, taken immediately adjacent to the hardness tests, using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Mechanical data are discussed in relation to mineral content, morphology and loading of the limbs, within a forensic context.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Pig carcasses are frequently used as models for the human cadaver in the study of trauma and wound patterns. Limited availability and ethical concerns over the use of human tissue has meant that porcine bone is often used as a substitute for human bone in such studies. However, there is a lack of comprehensive mechanical data to make informed decisions on the choice of model to account for variations in the age, sex and body mass. In this study, variation in the properties of cortical bone along the length of the porcine humerus and ulna, from five female pigs aged over 36 months, was investigated by using Vickers microhardness tests. Transverse sections were taken from the proximal, mid and distal regions of the diaphyses, and tests were carried out in the anterior, medial, posterior, and lateral quadrants. Microhardness was also measured across the cortex from the periosteal to endosteal surfaces. Regional variation in mineral content was explored by analysing samples, taken immediately adjacent to the hardness tests, using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Mechanical data are discussed in relation to mineral content, morphology and loading of the limbs, within a forensic context.
Keywords:	Porcine, hardness, mechanical properties, cortical bone, humerus, Pig
Subjects:	B Subjects allied to Medicine > B830 Biomechanics, Biomaterials and Prosthetics (non-clinical) F Physical Sciences > F400 Forensic and Archaeological Science
Divisions:	College of Sciences > Faculty of Science > School of Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Adrian Goodman
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2009 11:34
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2013 08:16
URI:	http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/id/eprint/1970

Actions (login required)

View Item