Micro-mechanical testing of bone tissues in secondary osteon and interstitial bone regions

The purpose of this research was to develop methods for collecting and testing bone specimens acquired from interstitial and secondary osteon bone regions. These methods have been utilized to test the hypothesis that age related changes in the collagen might be induced through the bone remodeling process. In order to isolate the two specific regions of interstitial and secondary osteon bone tissue, it was necessary to develop new techniques for precision positioning, machining, micro testing and finite element modeling. First, the desired sample is selected and marked by use of a microscope and an oil based ink. It is then placed in a micro mill vice and a laser positioning system determines the exact location of the machine head. New tools were developed, because of the small size of the sample (0.25 mm in diameter, 3 mm long), to precisely cut out the sample. A micro-three point bending testing machine was constructed and its controller software realized in Labview software. It is our hope that these methods will help prove the stated hypothesis and eventually provide a better quality of life for the elderly.