Bending mechanics of bone grafts: an experimental study.

We compare the mechanical properties of rib and cranial grafts subjected to bending stresses and analyze the modification of those properties following miniplate fixation. Standardized side-paired rib and cranial bone samples were harvested from human cadavers. Twenty bone specimens were divided into four study groups, comprising rib and cranial grafts, with and without miniplate reinforcement. Bone segments were subjected to measured stresses in an Instrom unit with simultaneous strain recording. The stress/strain curves were analyzed to determine the modulus of elasticity, failure points, and elastic properties. Experimental findings and clinical implications are discussed.