THE TORSIONAL PROPERTIES OF SINGLE SELECTED OSTEONS

The aim of the present investigation is to determine the mechanical behavior of single selected osteons loaded by torsion along their axis. Two osteon types were chosen: (a) fully calcified 'longitudinal' osteons, whose fibers (and, consequently, crystallites) have a marked longitudinal spiral course in successive lamellae, (b) fully calcified 'alternate' osteons, whose fibers (and, consequently, crystallites) have a marked longitudinal spiral course in one lamella, and an apparently transverse or circular course in the next. The osteon samples, which were cylindrically shaped, and whose extremities fitted into two rectangular lugs, were prepared on a microturning lathe. The principle of the specially manufactured torsional device was that of a pendulum set oscillating around a very sharp wedge so as to reduce friction to negligible levels. The results indicate that longitudinal osteons are those most resistant to torsional loading. The low resistance to torsional loading of the lamellae whose fibers apparently have an almost transversal course is discussed with reference to recent views on the microstructure of this type of lamella.