Mechanical symmetry of rabbit bones studied by bending and indentation testing.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether mechanical parameters of rabbit long bones are bilaterally symmetric.

ANIMALS

Adult male New Zealand White rabbits.

PROCEDURE

17 pairs of femurs, tibias, and humeri were mechanically tested with 3-point bending (for diaphyseal bone) and indentation (for epiphyseal bone).

RESULTS

Significant differences were not found between the right and left femur, tibia, or humerus for all bending parameters. Significant differences were not found between the right and left femoral, tibial, or humeral epiphyses for all indentation parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate mechanical symmetry of rabbit long bones in terms of mean value. The study also developed a normal comparable database for bending and indentation parameters of the rabbit femur, tibia, and humerus.