title: Relating osteon diameter to strain.
abstract: Osteon diameter is generally smaller in bone regions that experience larger strains. A mechanism relating osteon diameter to strain is as yet unknown. We propose that strain-induced osteocyte signals inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption. This mechanism was previously shown to produce load-aligned osteons in computer simulations. Now we find that it also predicts smaller osteon diameter for higher loads. Additionally, we find that our model predicts osteon development with two cutting cones, one moving up and one moving down the loading axis. Such 'double-ended osteons' were reported in literature as a common type of osteon development. Further, we find that a steep gradient in strain magnitude can result in an osteonal tunnel with continuous resorption along the less strained side, which corresponds to 'drifting osteons' reported in literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. r.f.m.v.oers@tue.nl
authors.forename: René F M
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: van Oers
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ruimerman
authors.forename: Bert
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: van Rietbergen
authors.forename: Peter A J
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Hilbers
authors.forename: Rik
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huiskes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001671:Biochemistry / Q000379:methods; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000379:methods*; D016723:Bone Remodeling; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006253:Haversian System / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000166:cytology; D010011:Osteocytes / Q000166:cytology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength