Summary
The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical properties of feline
long bone by testing cadaver bone from mature cats in compression, threepoint bending,
notch sensitivity and screw pull-out strength. The determination of these properties
is of clinical relevance with regard to the forces resulting in long bone fractures
in cats as well as the behaviour and failure mode of surgical implants utilized for
fracture stabilization and repair in the cat. Cadaveric cat femurs were tested in
compression, three-point bending and in three-point bending after the addition of
a 2.0 mm screw hole. Cortical screws, 2.7 mm in diameter, were inserted in cadaveric
cat femur samples for screw pullout testing. The mean maximum load to failure of mid
diaphyseal feline femurs tested in compression was 4201 ± 1218 N. Statistical analysis
of the parameter of maximum load tested in compression revealed a statistical difference
between sides (p=0.02), but not location (p=0.07), or location by side (p=0.12). The
maximum strength of mid diaphyseal feline femurs tested in compression was 110.6 ±
26.6 MPa. The modulus of elasticity of mid-diaphyseal cat femurs tested in compression
was determined to be 5.004 ± 0.970 GPa. The mean maximum load to failure of feline
femurs tested in three-point bending was 443 ± 98 N. The mean maximum load to failure
of feline femurs tested in three-point bending after a 2.0 mm diameter hole was drilled
in the mid-diaphyseal region of each sample through both cortices was 471 ± 52 N.
The mean maximum load required for screw pull-out of 2.7 mm cortical screws placed
in feline femurs tested in tension was 886 ± 221 N. This data should be suitable for
investigating fracture biomechanics and the testing of orthopaedic constructs commonly
used for fracture stabilization in the feline patient.
Keywords
Cat femur - compression - elasticity - biomechanical properties - three-point bending
