Simulation model of trabecular bone remodeling considering effects of osteocyte apoptosis and targeted remodeling

Bone structure is renewed or restructured in part by a load-dependent remodeling. In this study, a mathematical model of bone surface remodeling over a wide range of strain was established. We assumed that in a low strain range, bone resorption occurs at an accelerated rate with strain decrease owing to low strain-induced osteocyte apoptosis, and that in a high strain range, bone formation occurs at an accelerated rate with strain increase (targeted remodeling). In a physiological strain range, bone formation or resorption was assumed to occur stochastically according to the degree of local stress non-uniformity. The utility of the present model was examined through three-dimensional numerical simulation of femoral trabecular architecture.