Computational investigation into the mechanoregulation of osteoporosis

Abstract

Trabecular bone remodelling involves the continual resorption and formation of bone along the surface of a strut. Experimental studies have shown that mechanical stimuli, such as strain and damage, initiate and regulate this biological process. The aim of this thesis is to develop a mechanoregulation algorithm, based on both strain and damage stimuli, and to investigate whether such an algorithm is capable of simulating the bone remodelling cycle along a trabecular strut. Following on from this, the changes occurring to the process that lead to rapid and irreversible loss of bone, as observed in skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis, were investigated.