Optimization of the size sample in the elastic moduli measurement of human cortical bone

A mechanical method using strain gages has been developed to measure the elastic moduli of human cortical bone of the tibia. The average of elastic moduli measured were found to be for the radial modulus : Ei = 9.5 ± 0.4 GPa, for the tangential modulus : E2 = 11.5 ± 1.1 GPa and for the axial modulus: E3 = 21.3 ± 1.2 GPa. The technique has been validated by comparing the results with that of the ultrasonic measurements performed on samples of another human tibia. T-test shows no significant differences between the results.