ANATOMIC VARIATION OF THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF THE GLENOID

Finite element analysis modeling is an important tool in the design of total joint replacements. However, to use a Finite element analysis t he material properties of the studied bone must be known. The aim of t he study was to measure the elastic properties of the glenoid bone in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes with an ultrasound transmissio n technique. The relative density and Houndsfield computed tomography numbers were also assessed. Three pairs of scapulas were obtained From unembalmed human cadavers. Seventy-four cubic cancellous bone specime ns of 6 mm were used for ultrasonic measurements. The study showed sig nificant differences with anatomic location. Mechanical properties of cancellous bone were found to be higher near the direction of applicat ion of the resultant Force, perpendicular to the articular surface of the glenoid. Mechanical properties were found to be significantly high er at the center and posterior edge of the glenoid (p < 0.01). Signifi cant differences were also found in the three planes studied. The late romedial Young's modulus (E1) was higher than the anteroposterior modu lus (E2) and the superoinferior modulus (E3) (E1 = 372 +/- 164 MPa, E2 = 222 +/- 79 MPa, E3 = 198 +/- 75 MPa).