Figure 3.

Experimental setup for in vivo axial loading. (a) a compact design based on a cylindrical linear coil actuator; (b) a C57BL6 cadaver position in the machine for sake of illustration; and (c) the anatomical positioning of the tibia during loading. The linear coil actuator (1) applies load through the knee cup (2), which is filled with modeling clay (3) shaped to receive the flexed knee. The load is transmitted through the tibia (T) to the ankle hold in place by the ankle cup (5), filled with modeling clay (4). The ankle cup is mounted to an adjustable slider (6) to adjust the length of the system to each animal. All the parts are mounted on an aluminum baseplate (7). The baseplate is anodized, and thus it resists better to cleaning agents. The baseplate has a radiolucent window (8) made of composite where the animal lies, to allow radiographic imaging during loading. We advise mounting the machine on dampening feet (9) to reduce vibrations.