Stochastic lattice model for bone remodeling and aging.
We investigate the remodeling process of trabecular bone inside a human vertebral body using a stochastic lattice model, in which the ability of living bone to adapt to mechanical stimuli is incorporated. Our simulations show the emergence of a networklike structure similar to real trabecular bone. With time, the bone volume fraction reaches a steady state. The microstructure, however, coarsens with a typical length in the system following a power law. The simulation results suggest that a coarsening of the trabecular structure should occur as a natural aging phenomenon, not related to disease.
Weinkamer
Richard
R
Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
Hartmann
Markus A
MA
Brechet
Yves
Y
Fratzl
Peter
P
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001857:Bone Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D013131:Spine / Q000502:physiology*; D013269:Stochastic Processes