On hydraulic strengthening of bones.

Hydraulic strengthening of bones - i.e. the strengthening effect of the viscous fluid in bones - is discussed and the contradicting results of some researches concerning the existence of hydraulic strengthening are estimated. It is concluded that hydraulic strengthening exists and has an important positive effect upon the mechanical behaviour of bone, especially of cancellous bone. General features of an adequate mathematical model for the mechanical behaviour of cancellous bone are specified.