Simulation of osteoporosis using reaction-diffusion based-bone remodeling model, iBone

摘要

Bone is a complex system with functions including those of adaptation and repair. To understand how bone cells can create a structure adapted to the mechanical environment, we proposed a simple bone remodeling model based on a reaction-diffusion system influenced by mechanical stress. When an external mechanical stress was applied, stimulated bone formation and subsequent activation of bone resorption produced an efficient adaptation of the internal shape of the model bone to a given stress, and demonstrated major structures of trabecular bone seen in the human femoral neck. By modulation of a single parameter affecting the balance between formation and resorption, deformation of bone structure during osteoporosis was also demonstrated. This simple model gives us an insight into how bone cells create a sophisticated architecture, and will serve as a useful tool to understand both physiological and pathological states of bone based on structural information.