The study of positive correlation between bone frame mineral density and volume fraction in cortical bone

Although the mechanical properties of cortical bone are known to be influenced by both volume fraction and mineral content, the relationship between bone frame mineral density and volume fraction has not been described yet. In this study, cortical bone was modeled as a porous medium with solid bone frames and inter-frame pores. A computational method based on water displacement method was designed to determine the pore volume. Additionally, using a balance, Archimedes' principle and Newton's third law were combined together to directly measure the total volume of irregular cortical specimens. Our results revealed that bone quality (bone frame mineral density) and bone quantity (volume fraction) in cortex had significant positive correlation (r2 = 0.67). These findings are important for observing the results of therapeutic strategies that can cause changes in both bone quality and quantity. It also shows that our technique and computing process is reasonable, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective.