Mouse Lumbar Vertebra Uniaxial Compression Testing with Embedding of the Loading SurfaceChandler A. Sparks 1,2, Ryeim B. Ansaf 1,3, Annette M. Gabaldón 1
1Department of Biology, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, 3Department of Engineering, Colorado State University-Pueblo
In this protocol, two approaches are described to make uniaxial compression testing of mouse lumbar vertebrae more attainable. First, the conversion of a three-point bending machine to a compression testing machine is described. Second, an embedding method for preparing the loading surface that uses bone cement is adapted for mouse lumbar vertebrae.