Non-linear properties of diaphyseal bone. An experimental study on dogs.

The deformation of entire long bones from dogs has been studied in torsion. The load-deformation relationship is non-linear prior to ultimate failure and repeated successively increased loading and unloading in the non-linear range is found to reduce the stiffness of the bone. The non-linearity of the curve is assumed to be due to a change in the geometry of the bone originating from formation of small cracks in the cortex. The bone material of entire long bones from dogs seems to be linearly elastic for all torques.