Biomechanical Characteristics of the Bone

The bone tissue is strong and one of the most rigid structures of the body due to its combination of inorganic and organic elements. The minerals calcium and phosphate, together with collagen, constitute the organic element of the bone being responsible for approximately 60 to 70% of the bone tissue. Water constitutes approximately 25 to 30% of the bone tissue weight. (Alberts et al., 1994; Junqueira & Carneiro, 1997, 1999). The bone tissue is a viscous-elastic material whose mechanical properties are affected by its deformation grade. The flexibility properties of the bone are provided by the collagen material of the bone. The collagen content gives the bone the ability to support tense loads. The bone is also a fragile material and its force depends on the load mechanism. The fragility grade of the bone depends on the mineral constituents that give it the ability to support compressive loads. (Alberts. et al., 1994; Junqueira & Carneiro, 1997, 1999). Re-absorption and Bone Deposit Bone is a highly adaptive material and very sensitive to disuse, immobilization or vigorous activity and high load levels. The bone tissue can be separated and may change its properties and setting in response to the mechanical demand. It was determined at first by the German anatomist, Julius Wolff, that gave us the theory on the bone development named Wolff Law, that says: "Each change in the form and function of a bone or only its function is followed by certain definitive changes in its internal architecture, and secondary changes equally definitive in its external compliance, in accordance to the mathematics law". (Alberts et al., 1994; Junqueira & Carneiro, 1997, 1999).