Piezoelectricity could predict sites of formation/resorption in bone remodelling and modelling

• Published in: Journal of theoretical biology Vol. 292; no. 7; pp. 86 - 92
• Main Authors: Fernandez, J R, Garcia-Aznar, J M, Martinez, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 07.01.2012
• Subjects: bone formation; Bone modelling; Bone Remodeling - physiology; bone resorption; Bone Resorption - physiopathology; bones; Diaphyses - physiology; electrical charges; Electricity; Finite Element Analysis; Finite element modelling; Haversian System - physiology; Humans; Mechano-electrical modelling; Mechanosensor mechanism; Mechanotransduction, Cellular - physiology; Models, Biological; osteoblasts; Osteoblasts - physiology; osteoclasts; Osteoclasts - physiology; Osteogenesis - physiology; Piezoelectricity; resorption; Stress, Mechanical; Piezoelectricity; Finite element modelling; Mechanosensor mechanism; Bone modelling; Mechano-electrical modelling
• ISSN: 0022-5193; 1095-8541
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2011.09.032

We have developed a mathematical approach for modelling the piezoelectric behaviour of bone tissue in order to evaluate the electrical surface charges in bone under different mechanical conditions. This model is able to explain how bones change their curvature, where osteoblasts or osteoclasts could detect in the periosteal/endosteal surfaces the different electrical charges promoting bone formation or resorption. This mechanism also allows to understand the BMU progression in function of the electro-mechanical bone behaviour. ► We evaluate the piezoelectric behaviour of bone under different mechanical conditions. ► We estimate the electrical surfaces charges in bone under different mechanical forces. ► This work gives insight why osteoblasts/osteoclasts work in specific surfaces. ► New mechanisms to unravel how bones change their curvature and define BMU progression.