Musculoskeletal Structure and Strength Core

Measures of structure and strength are essential when assessing functional outcomes in animal models related to musculoskeletal biology and medicine.  This resource Core supports techniques to evaluate structure and mechanical properties of musculoskeletal tissues (bone, cartilage, disc, muscle, tendon) derived from animal studies or from human donors.

“Structure” – X-ray Imaging: Techniques include plane radiography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and micro-computed tomography (microCT), each available post mortem or in vivo.

“Strength” – Mechanical Testing: Testing methods include long-bone bending, vertebral compression, tendon and tendon-to-bone tensile testing, bone microindentation, intervertebral disc compression, passive and active muscle tension testing, and notched bending for fracture toughness.

Service available to All entities, including for-profit organizations.

Priority service for Specific groups, centers or departments – see Additional Information for details.

Additional information:

Supported by NIH Core Center Grant NIH P30 AR074992.

Discounted rates for members of the WU Musculoskeletal Research Center. See our website for list of members and information on how to apply.

• Plane Radiography
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
• MicroCT – specimen
• MicroCT – in vivo
• NanoCT/X-Ray Microscopy - specimen
• Mechanical Testing - 3-point bending
• Mechanical Testing - compression,tension
• Mechanical Testing - microindentation

• Radiography. Specimen Digital Radiography System, Faxitron UltraFocus
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA): Faxitron UltraFocus DXA
• MicroCT – specimen: Scanco uCT50
• MicroCT – in vivo: Scanco VivaCT40
• NanoCT/X-ray microscopy - Ziess XRADIA Versa 520 3D XRM
• Mechanical Testing: Instron 8841 (200 lb, servohydraulic), Electropuls E10000 (10000N, electromechanical), Instron ElectroPuls E1000 (1000 N, electromechanical)
• Mechanical testing: BioDent Microindentation system; Qualysis Oqus sytem for motion capture
• Test Resources 160T1-10 Torsion Tester (10Nm and 0.2Nm)

Pricing is subject to core verification

Please see our website for up-to-date pricing.  All services are scheduled through iLab.