Reference-point indentation correlates with bone toughness assessed using whole-bone traditional mechanical testing

► A novel technique for measuring bone material properties, Reference-Point Indentation was used. ► Bone tissue toughness and energy to failure significantly correlate with indentation distance increase. ► Reference-point indentation shows that alendronate-treated dogs and diabetic rats have significantly higher indentation distance increase than controls. ► Reference-point indentation provides a measure of bone material properties without the requirement to machine standardized specimens.