A model of mechanobiologic and metabolic influences on bone adaptation

Bone adaptation, the process through which bone mass is modified in the bod y, plays a key role in the development of osteoporosis. Bone adaptation is known to be influenced by both mechanical and metabolic stimuli. Previous s tudies have concentrated on changes in bone adaptation caused by mechanical stimuli (mechanobiologic influences), yet current treatments for osteoporo sis depend significantly on metabolic influences. We develop a theoretical model of bone adaptation that accounts for both mechanobiologic and metabol ic influences. We demonstrate the utility of this model using a simulation of the cellular processes of bone adaptation on a representative volume of cancellous bone. Our long-term objective is the development of a more compr ehensive computational model that will aid in the study of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.