Differences in the Mechanical Properties of Calcaneal Artificial Specimens, Fresh Frozen Specimens, and Embalmed Specimens in Experimental Testing

Abstract

Artificial calcanei (Sawbone, Synbone) showed different biomechanical characteristics than cadaver bones (embalmed and fresh-frozen) in this experimental setup with biocompatible cyclic loading. These results do not support the use of artificial calcanei for biomechanical implant testing. Fresh-frozen and embalmed specimens seem to be equally adequate for mechanical testing. The low variation of mechanical strength in the unpaired cadaver specimens suggests that the use of PAIRED specimens is not necessary.

Embalmed and fresh frozen human bones in orthopedic cadaveric studies: which bone is authentic and feasible?

“…The different unpaired human cadaveric femur bones were harvested from different donors; thus, we could not compare the different fixation techniques on a paired bone model. Zech et al (2006) found a low degree of variation in mechanical strength in similar unpaired cadaveric bone specimens. For a better comparison of the specimens, we chose a similar group of donors concerning sex and age distribution.…”

Monoaxial versus polyaxial locking systems: a biomechanical analysis of different locking systems for the fixation of proximal humeral fractures

“…Our study was performed on formalin fixed bone, due to better availability. Some authors found it equal to the quality of fresh frozen bone [22]. On the other hand animal studies have revealed disadvantages [17,21].…”

Effects of tissue preservation on murine bone mechanical properties

“…Due to the destructive nature of mechanical testing (most specimens tested to failure), the order of such testing is traditionally reserved for the latter stages of most studies, where specimens have undergone other non-destructive analyses prior to mechanical testing. Tissue fixation with 10% formalin (4% formaldehyde) is widely used to preserve specimens without refrigeration, offering researchers the added benefit of protection from specimens with communicable diseases (Boskey et al, 1982;Nimni et al, 1987;Wilke et al, 1996;Nuccion et al, 2001;Moreno and Forriol, 2002;Randall et al, 2002;Wingerter et al, 2006;Zech et al, 2006). However, researchers refrain from using formalin to decontaminate and preserve bone tissue to be tested mechanically, since its effects on the mechanical properties of bone have been the subject of much debate.…”