A comparative study of young and mature bovine cortical bone.

The mechanical properties and microstructure of young and mature bovine femur bone were investigated by optical microscopy and compression testing in the longitudinal and transverse directions for untreated, deproteinized and demineralized cases. Optical microscopy revealed that mature bone has a more established and less porous microstructure compared to young bone. Mature bone was found to be stronger in both directions for the untreated and deproteinized cases. Mature untreated bone was also found to be stiffer and less tough compared to young bone in both directions. These results are related to the increase in mineralization of mature bone and significant microstructural differences. Young bone was found to be stronger in both directions for the demineralized case, which is attributed to alterations in the collagen network with age.