Numerical simulation of streaming potentials due to deformation-induced hierarchical flows in cortical bone

Bone is a very dynamic tissue capable of modifying its composition, microst ructure, and overall geometry in response to the changing biomechanical nee ds, Streaming potential has been hypothesized as a mechanotransduction mech anism that may allow osteocytes to sense their biomechanical environment. A correct understanding of the mechanism for streaming potential will illumi nate our understanding of bone remodeling, such as the remodeling associate d with exercise hypertrophy, disuse atrophy, and the bone remodeling around implants. In the current research, a numerical model based on the finite e lement discretization is proposed to simulate the fluid flows through the c omplicated hierarchical flow system and to calculate the concomitant stress generated potential (SGP) as a result of applied mechanical loading. The l acunae-canaliculi and the matrix microporosity are modeled together as disc rete one-dimensional flow channels superposed in a biphasic poroelastic mat rix. The cusplike electric potential distribution surrounding the Haversian canal that was experimentally observed and reported in, the literature ear lier was successfully reproduced by the current numerical calculation.