Systematic Evaluation of Skeletal Mechanical Function

Abstract

Many genetic and environmental perturbations lead to measurable changes in bone morphology, matrix composition, and matrix organization. Here, straightforward biomechanical methods are described that can be used to determine whether a genetic or environmental perturbation affects bone strength. A systematic method is described for evaluating how bone strength is altered in the context of morphology and tissue‐level mechanical properties, which are determined in large part from matrix composition, matrix organization, and porosity. The methods described include computed tomography, whole‐bone mechanical tests (bending and compression), tissue‐level mechanical tests, and determination of ash content, water content, and bone density. This strategy is intended as a first step toward screening mice for phenotypic effects on bone and establishing the associated biomechanical mechanism by which function has been altered, and can be conducted without a background in engineering. The outcome of these analyses generally provides insight into the next set of experiments required to further connect cellular perturbation with functional change. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 3:39‐67 © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.