Bone diseases such as rickets and osteoporosis cause significant reduction in bone quantity and quality, which leads to mechanical abnormalities. However, the precise ultrastructural mechanism by which altered bone quality affects mechanical properties is not clearly understood. In this project, the functional linkage between altered bone quality (reduced mineralization) and abnormal fibrillar-level mechanics is probed using a novel, real-time synchrotron X-ray nanomechanical imaging method. Combined with quantitative backscattered electron imaging to determine local mineral content, we are investigating the nanoscale deformation mechanisms in tension, and more realistic fracture modes such as bending.

References:

KARUNARATNE, A., ESAPA, C. T., HILLER, J., BOYDE, A., HEAD, R., BASSETT, J. H. D., TERRILL, N. J., WILLIAMS, G. R., BROWN, M. A., CROUCHER, P., BROWN, S. D. M., COX, R. D., BARBER, A. H., THAKKER, R. V. & GUPTA, H. S.* (2011) Significant deterioration in nanomechanical quality occurs through incomplete extrafibrillar mineralization in rachitic bone: evidence from in-situ synchrotron X-ray scattering and backscattered electron imaging. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.1495