A Study of Mechanical Properties of Human Femoral Heads Using Nanoindentation

Human bone fracture associated with osteoporosis was hypothesized to be related to the alteration of mechanical properties in bones. In this work, cortical and trabecular bones from human femoral heads were studied. Bone samples of eight female and four male patients, with ages varying from 37 to 93 years, were collected from total hip replacement surgery. Reduced modulus (Er) and hardness (H) of osteons, interstitial lamellae and trabeculae were characterized by nanoindentation. The results showed both the reduced modulus and hardness of the interstitial lamellae were significant higher than those of osteons and trabeculae. Though there was no significant difference in microstructures in the Group A (age < 60 years) and B (age > 60 years), the Group B bones demonstrated to be stiffer.