On biological availability dependent bone remodeling

Abstract

Modeling the evolution of bone density is relevant for understanding, simulation and possible prediction of bone response to external and internal influences. In this work we present a formulation for the bone density evolution process that takes into account not only the commonly considered mechanical stimulus, but, as novelty, also the influence of the availability of nutrients and hormones, with its implementation pursued within the finite element method. A simple uni-axial extension test is used to illustrate and compare our novel model against the classical approach. The results of the proposed modified model are promising for application to real-life problems.

Keywords:

• Bone remodeling
• biological availability
• density change
• growth
• finite element method

Disclosure statement

None of the authors has a financial or personal relationship with other people or organizations that could inappropriately bias his/her work.

Funding

This work is partially supported by the STAEDTLER Stiftung, LAKOF, the Graduiertenkolleg FRASCAL and BayWISS Gesundheit.