The Elastic Properties of a Human Mandible

Abstract

This paper is a report on a study of the elastic properties of the human mandible. Using a continuous-wave ultrasound technique, we determined the elastic constants of ten small specimens taken from various locations within a single mandible. Seven of the nine independent orthotropic elastic constants were determined for each specimen. The data indicate that human mandibular bone is elastically homogeneous but anisotropic. In the elastic properties it exhibits, it is similar to, if slightly less stiff than, human and canine femora. Indeed, elastically it seems like a long bone bent into the shape of a horseshoe.