Biomechanical adaptation of the cervical dura mater: a matched comparison of fresh and embalmed specimens

This study provides the direct and quantitative evidence that formaldehyde embalming fundamentally alters the biomechanical properties of the human cervical spinal dura mater, leading to a stiffer tissue response with exaggerated strain under load. These findings highlight the native viscoelasticity of fresh tissue and caution against the uncritical extrapolation of biomechanical data from embalmed specimens to living humans. The results establish a critical reference for interpreting existing literature and for selecting appropriate specimen models in future spinal biomechanical research.