Computational modelling of the mechanical environment of the early stage of fracture healing using structural engineering techniques

Abstract

Bone healing is a complex biological process which is regulated by mechanical micro-environment caused by inter-fragmentary movement (IFM). IFM generated interstitial fluid flow within the fracture callus could potentially not only affect the mesenchymal stem cells migration and differentiation during the healing, but also enhance nutrient transport within the callus tissue. In this study, a three dimensional poroelastic finite element model of a human tibia was developed to study the mechanical behaviour of the fracture callus due to IFM at the early stage of fracture. The biophysical stimuli were characterised with three main parameters involved in the healing process: octahedral shear strain, interstitial fluid velocity and pressure. The proposed algorithm represents a first step towards to the development of a powerful simulation tool for fracture healing.