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This paper presents the results of dynamic material tests and computational modelling that elucidate the effects of regional rib mechanical properties on thoracic fracture patterns. First, a total of 80 experiments were performed using small cortical bone samples from 23 separate locations on the rib cages of four cadavers (2 male, 2 female). Each specimen was subjected to dynamic three-point bending resulting in an average strain rate of 5 ± 1.5 strain/s. Test coupon modelling was used to verify the test setup. Regional variation was defined by location as anterior, lateral, or posterior as well as by rib level 1 through 12. The specimen stiffness and ultimate stress and strain were analyzed by location and rib level. Second, these material properties were incorporated into a human body computational model. The rib cage was partitioned into anterior, lateral, and posterior segments and the material properties were varied by location using an elastic-plastic material model.