[Standard measurements, elasticity values and tensile strength behavior of the human mandible, a contribution to the biomechanics of the mandible--I].

This paper is intended to help to characterize the physiological behavior of compact bone structure, so that realistic account can be taken of it when performing finite element (FE) analysis with the aim of solving biomechanical problems. In addition, further knowledge about the complex mechanical behavior of bone structure is provided. In accordance with anthropometric considerations, 13 mandibles have been measured, and a standard mandible defined for use in representative model calculations. In 4 mandibles (fully dentulous, partly dentulous, edentulous), orthotropic mechanical behavior of the fresh bone was determined experimentally. A comparison was also made with published data, as well as our own unpublished data obtained in other bone structures. Orthotropic behavior of the bone structure was confirmed. The material data of the individual bone structure vary considerably, but remain within a certain range. The proportion of the direction-dependent data is, however, almost constant. Our data correspond well with published data, although a direct comparison with the data of the mandible was not possible. A comparison of the data with those from the lower and upper extremities shows significant differences in rigidity, Young's modulus, and extension. A gradation can be found--starting with a maximum--that reveals the following order: mandible, upper extremity, lower extremity. In the case of extension, this order is reversed.