Stochastic lattice model for bone remodeling and aging

Phys Rev Lett. 2004 Nov 26;93(22):228102. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.228102. Epub 2004 Nov 23.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Bone Matrix / physiology*
  • Bone Remodeling / physiology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular / physiology*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Spine / physiology*
  • Stochastic Processes