Compression test of mouse vertebra v1

This protocol tests mouse L4, L5, and L6 vertebrae individually in compression to determine the mechanical properties of the vertebral body. Although we have not tested it in-house, it could be adapted to rat vertebrae using the same methods. This test is well suited for determining whether an intervention-induced change in vertebral bone mass or structure translates into a change in whole-bone stiffness and strength. Because the vertebral body is a composite of cortical and cancellous bone, the test cannot determine either cortical or cancellous properties separately. The test is destructive, so µCT analysis should be completed beforehand if needed.