The knowledge of the mechanical properties of bone and fractures is important in health sciences. Although, the concepts and principles that determine their understandings often are not clear to the professionals that working in the medical fields. This review aims to bring basic concepts and information about the biomechanics of bones, and some types of biomechanical tests. Through these tests, surveys are developed for evaluation and/or comparison of different fixation devices and orthopaedic implants using cadaveric bones, mathematical models, as well as synthetic bones, all alternatives to animal experimentation. Although, the biomechanical tests are widely known and disseminated in other countries, but it is underutilized in Brazilian orthopaedics research.
orthopaedic; strength; implants; fracture
