The Effect of Type 2 Diabetes on the Mechanical Properties of Trabecular Bone at Nano Scale

Abstract

Bone is a diverse substance composed of many different components. Numerous elements contribute towards the overall strength and stiffness of bones, which determine their structural integrity, although bone mineral density (BMD) is predominantly utilized for clinical diagnosis. BMD is limited in predicting the risk of fractures and the effects of pathological illnesses on bone quality. It was mainly considered that the elastic modulus of cortical bone is comparable to the microstructural component. Recent analysis reveals that the highest elastic modulus of the microstructural element is lower than the lowest elastic modulus of cortical bone. Consequently, there has been a rise in clinical and scientific curiosity regarding quantifying minuscule mechanical characteristics of bone tissue. Measuring microscopic qualities can help us gain a more profound knowledge of bone quality, the risk of fractures, and the effects of pathological conditions on bone quality. A study was conducted to assess the elastic characteristics of trabecular bone in the case of type-2 diabetes (T2DM) and those without diabetes using the nanoindentation technique. The bone quality parameters Young's modulus (Er) and hardness (H) were measured using nanoindentation testing. Upon analyzing the experimental data, it was noted that bone quality is markedly diminished in individuals with diabetes.