Forced to Fracture
Common bone fracture types can be identified in every unique bone fracture. Biomedical engineers design ways to repair bones depending on the fracture locations and degree of severity.Copyright ASU Ask a Biologist http://askabiologist.asu.edu/how-bone-breaks
Students learn how forces affect the human skeletal system through fractures and why certain bones are more likely to break than others depending on their design and use in the body. They learn how engineers and doctors collaborate to design effective treatments with consideration for the location, fracture severity and patient age, as well as the use of biocompatible materials. Learning the lesson content prepares students for the associated activity in which they test small animal bones to failure and then design treatment repair plans.
Animal bones are strong and they usually only fracture when large forces are applied to the body. Biomechanical engineers examine how different bones in the human body break depending upon the forces and directions in which the forces are applied. Then they design treatment and repair strategies to ensure the body continues to be able to withstand the impact of forces normally applied. Materials science engineers design materials that are biocompatible and maintain the desired mechanical properties of the bone to prevent infection, while aiding in the healing of fractures.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe the various types of bone fractures and problems that medical doctors face with each type.
- Explain methods to repair the many types of bone fractures.
- Describe the factors to take into consideration when designing materials for use in the human body.