A theoretical model for stress-generated fluid flow in the canaliculi-lacunae network in bone tissue

A mathematical model was developed to study stress-induced fluid flow in the canaliculi-lacunae system in an osteon. The effect of canaliculi diameters on the magnitude and depth of penetration of squeeze flow through the canaliculi system was investigated. An optimal canaliculus diameter (which would maximize the fluid velocity through the canaliculi) was determined. For canaliculi diameters of 0.2 micron, squeeze flow can nourish four to five concentric layers of osteocytes in an osteon. It is possible that such stress-induced flow may be important in bone remodeling, and that lack of such flow may be one cause for producing osteoporosis due to immobilization.