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Computational study of the mechanical influence of lacunae and perilacunar zones in cortical bone microcracking
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Computational study of the mechanical influence of lacunae and perilacunar zones in cortical bone microcracking

Timothy O. Josephson, Jason P. Moore, Ebrahim Maghami, Theresa A. Freeman and Ahmad R. Najafi
Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials, v 126, 105029
Feb 2022
PMID: 34971951

Abstract

Computational modeling Cortical bone Microdamage Osteocyte lacunae Phase-field method
The mechanical behavior of cortical bone is influenced by microstructural components such as osteons, Haversian canals, and osteocyte lacunae that arise from biological remodeling processes. This study takes a computational approach to investigate the role of the perilacunar zones formed by the local remodeling processes of lacunar-dwelling osteocytes by utilizing phase-field finite element models based on histological imaging of human bone. The models simulated the microdamage accumulation that occurs in cortical bone under transverse compression in bone without lacunae, with lacunae, and with a perilacunar zone surrounding lacunae in order to investigate the role of these features. The results of the simulations found that while lacunae create stress concentration which initiate further damage, perilacunar regions can delay or prevent the emergence and growth of microcracks. • Microstructural phase-field damage models were created from stained cortical bone. • Lacunae were modeled with perilacunar zones of increased toughness. • Lacunar voids increased the number of damage initiation sites and the rate of crack growth. • Perilacunar zones slowed damage propagation and reduced the extent of microcracking. • Simulations revealed a notable mechanical function for osteocytic remodeling.

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21 citations in Scopus

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Biomedical
Materials Science, Biomaterials
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