Mechanical characterization of bone quality in distal femur fractures using pre-operative computed tomography scans.

•Computed tomography was used to assess bone mechanics in distal femur fractures.•Males had denser bone than females and bone quality declined significantly with age.•For biomechanical testing polyurethane foam can be used to model the distal femur.•No single foam grade captures all clinically important scenarios for this injury.•Use Grade 25 foam to test implant longevity and Grades 5–15 for implant stability.