The structural and biomechanical basis of the gain and loss of bone strength in women and men

Structural failure (fracture) is a problem in biomechanics. Its solution resides partly in identifying the material and structural properties of bone that determine its mechanic resistance to structural failure. Bones must be stiff so that they do not bend when loaded, otherwise movement against gravity would not be possible. However, bones also must be flexible, otherwise their ability to absorb energy by elastic and plastic deformation will decrease, and the energy imparted will be dissipated only by microdamage or complete fracture.