Determination of the mechanical properties of lumbar porcine vertebrae with 2D digital image correlation

Purpose: To evaluate the strain fields and to calculate the modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of trabecular bone of the 6 lumbar vertebrae of the porcine spine by a 2-dimensional digital image correlation (2D DIC). Methods: This study was performed through a 2D DIC technique and the specimens were tested under compression. The resulting images were analyzed numerically by 2D DIC. Then, representative regions of interest were examined. The strain fields were determined and stress-strain curves were obtained. Results: The full field measurement of the strain in the lumbar bone spine was evaluated and with this data, the Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio were determined. Conclusions: This research highlights the potential applications of noninvasive acquisition techniques in biomechanical analysis. This is useful in the mechanical characterization of bony structures and in the design of prostheses.