Methods for Testing the Mechanical Properties of the Rat Femur

Abstract

A modular apparatus to measure the bending and torsional properties of the rat femur is presented. Both intact femur diaphyses and diaphyseal fractures in different phases of healing can be tested. It is also possible to measure the bending-strength of the distal femur metaphysis and the epiphyseal plate.

The apparatus can be used to investigate the effect of drugs and hormones on the remodelling of the rat femur.

Key Words:

• methods
• mechanical properties
• fractures
• bones
• femur
• rats
• epiphysiolysis
• metaphysis
• diaphysis