The role of the interstitial fluid content in bone remodeling

Abstract. Bone is an extraordinary biological material able to modify dynamically its outer shape and inner microstructure in response chemo-mechanical stimuli coming from the environment adapting hierarchical respond static dynamic loads for offering optimal mechanical features, terms of stiffness toughness. To date, many theories mathematical models have been proposed by several authors describe remodeling phenomenon, all approaches starting adaptive elasticity bone maintenance theories. Within this framework, one most classical strategies employed studies so-called Stanford’s law, which allows uploading effect time-dependent load-induced stress stimulus into a biomechanical model guess structure evolution. In present work, we generalize approach introducing poroelasticity, thus incorporating role fluid content that, driving nutrients contributing removal wastes tissue cells, synergistically interacts with fields, way affecting growth tissue. Two paradigmatic example applications, i.e. cylindrical slice internal prescribed displacements idealizing tract femoral diaphysis pushed out pressure exerted femur prosthesis element form bent beam, real study case patient subject total hip replacement, CT scanned at 24 hours after surgery 1 year post-surgery considered. It has note that capable catch more realistically both transition between spongy cortical regions expected non-symmetrical evolution density medium-long term, unpredictable standard approach. Although limitations still characterize some hypotheses basis approach, overcomes intrinsic - unrealistic independence sign indirect gradients through flow tissue, allowing predict important spatial asymmetries mass density, so paving reliable mechanobiological engineering tools faithful prediction remodeling, implications diagnosis risk fracture, design scaffolds prostheses.