Numerical evaluation of trabecular bone alterations: A cell method application

Bone tissue is a complex multi-scale material and its morphological and functional characteristics are influenced during one’s life by constant changes, physiological and pathological. A recent technique can classify the mechanical response of trabecular bone by simulating the application of loads with a Cell Method model derived from plane radiographic images of the proximal epiphyses in the patient’s hand fingers, thus complementing the individual assessment with a low cost exam. The mesoscale pathological modifications (i.e. due to osteoporosis) can be detected and quantified, despite the simplification due to the use of radiograms. In this work, this approach is validated using four idealized structures, modelling different trabecular organizations in the site of interest. Then, the results obtained in six female subjects, age between 35 and 77, are discussed to highlight the potential relevance of this application for the study, in quantitative terms, of the trabecular bone alteration due to age, pathological conditions and lack of exposure to physiological mechanical stimuli (micro-gravity conditions).