Biomechanics & Biomaterials MCQs

On a load-deformation (stress-strain) curve of a bone specimen, the total area under the entire curve before the point of failure represents which specific mechanical property?

A polymeric orthopedic implant subjected to a constant physiological load over a prolonged period exhibits progressive, slow deformation. This viscoelastic behavior is known as:

A surgeon mistakenly utilizes titanium alloy screws to secure a stainless steel dynamic compression plate. This combination of dissimilar metals in an electrolytic fluid environment primarily predisposes the construct to which type of corrosion?

A 50-year-old woman undergoes total hip arthroplasty with a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner. Which of the following best describes the mechanical consequence of high cross-linking compared to conventional polyethylene?

In the context of bone biomechanics, which of the following terms best describes a material's continuous increase in strain over time when subjected to a constant load?

During the evaluation of a new titanium alloy for use in intramedullary nails, researchers find that it has a lower modulus of elasticity than stainless steel. What is the primary clinical advantage of this property?

Which of the following represents the primary difference in mechanical properties between cortical bone and cancellous bone?

When comparing titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) to 316L stainless steel for fracture fixation plates, which of the following statements is true regarding titanium?

During an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the graft is tensioned to 80 Newtons and secured at a fixed length. Over the next several minutes, the tension within the graft progressively decreases. Which viscoelastic property does this describe?

If a surgeon chooses to upsize a solid intramedullary nail by doubling its radius, the torsional rigidity of the new nail increases by a factor of what?

Which of the following forms of implant corrosion occurs specifically due to microscopic cyclic motion between two closely fitted metal surfaces, leading to disruption of the passive oxide layer?

A patient undergoes a total hip arthroplasty utilizing a heavily porous-coated diaphyseal-engaging cobalt-chromium stem. Over the next two years, radiographs demonstrate significant proximal femoral bone resorption. Which material property of the implant is primarily responsible for this phenomenon?

During mechanical testing of a human anterior cruciate ligament allograft, the specimen is stretched to a specific length and held constant over time. The researcher notes that the internal stress within the ligament steadily decreases over this period. This phenomenon describes which viscoelastic property?

During an internal fixation procedure, a resident accidentally uses a 316L stainless steel screw to secure a commercially pure titanium plate. Weeks later, aggressive corrosion is noted specifically where the screw head contacts the plate. What is the primary mechanism for this localized corrosion?

During tensile testing of a human flexor tendon, an initial non-linear 'toe region' is observed on the stress-strain curve at low strains (less than 2%). Which microscopic structural change directly accounts for this specific region?

A viscoelastic material, such as articular cartilage, is subjected to a constant applied load over an extended period, resulting in a progressive increase in deformation. This biomechanical phenomenon is best described as:

During the tensile biomechanical testing of a normal ligament, the initial "toe region" of the load-elongation curve represents which physiological event?

Stress shielding around a femoral stem can lead to proximal bone resorption. To minimize this, engineers seek materials with a modulus of elasticity closer to cortical bone. Which material has a modulus most similar to cortical bone?

Galvanic corrosion of orthopedic implants is most likely to occur under which of the following specific conditions?