Animal models for orthopaedic implant testing are well-established but morphologically dissimilar to human tibiae; notably, most are shorter. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the morphology and mechanical properties of the cervine tibia, particularly with regard to its suitability for testing orthopaedic implants. Two endosteal and eleven periosteal measurements were made on 15 cervine tibiae. The mechanical strength in axial compression and torsion was measured using 11 tibiae. The cervine tibia is morphologically similar to the human tibia and more closely matches the length of the human tibia than current tibia models (ovine, porcine, and caprine). The distal epiphysis dimensions are notably different, but no more so than the current tibia models. The torsional stiffness of the cervine tibia is within the range of previously reported values for human tibiae. Furthermore, in many regions, cervine tibiae are abundant and locally available at a low cost. Given these mechanical and morphological data, coupled with potential cost savings if regionally available, the cervine tibia may be an appropriate model for orthopaedic implant testing.

Intramedullary nails are the gold standard of fracture fixation, yet problems can still arise due to their manufacture in discrete lengths. Patient outcomes are less favorable when implanted with an improper length nail, and the wide range of discrete length options can increase the size hospital inventory. Prototypes of adjustable-length intramedullary nails were developed and tested in axial compression, torsion, and four-point bending. These prototypes are comparable to conventional nails in axial and bending stiffness. The torsional stiffness of the prototypes is less than that of conventional nails, but may be sufficient for clinical use.