Effects of gamma radiation sterilization and strain rate on compressive behavior of equine cortical bone

Abstract

Objectives: Gamma radiation has been widely used for sterilization of bone allograft. However, sterilization by gamma radiation damages the material properties of bone which is a major clinical concern since bone allograft is used in load bearing applications. While the degree of this damage is well investigated for quasi-static and cyclic loading conditions, there does not appear any information on mechanical behavior of gammairradiated cortical bone at high speed loading conditions. In this study, the effects of gamma irradiation on high strain rate compressive behavior of equine cortical bone were investigated using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). Quasi-static compression testing was also performed.