Numerical modelling of the evolution of the architecture of trabecular bone: damage accumulation and failure

A simulation of the evolution of the trabecular bone structure with age is presented. The particular case of osteoporosis, a common disease in which the accumulation of damage may result in early bone fracture, is examined. The numerical simulation of this phenomenon makes use of a two-dimensional representation of the cellular microarchitecture of the bone, with simple local laws governing the local rates of evolution. The evolution with age of the microarchitecture of the bone is simulated, taking into account the influence of an applied load and the redistribution of the local stresses as a damaged structure develops. It is shown that the available experimental data on average control populations and the known factors favouring osteoporosis are correctly described in a quantitative or semi-quantitive way. Fracture maps are defined, which illustrate a possible use of the numerical model as a tool for the prediction of fracture risk.