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The Toca das Onças cave is one of the most important Quaternary mammal deposits of Brazil. Two different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the preservation mode of its skeletal remains: either the animals climbed down into the cave, or it could have functioned as a natural trap. Evaluation of pathological modifications on three articulated vertebrae of a single adult giant ground sloth Eremotherium laurillardi reveals a particular type of bone fracture caused by compressive force on the vertebral column, which split the vertebral bodies in the sagittal plane. This diagnosis suggests that the animal accidentally fell into the cave, in accordance with the second hypothesis proposed to the incorporation mode of skeletal remains into the cave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]