Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

09:32
Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion
Published on: April 11, 2018
Open forward and inverse problems in theoretical modeling of bone tissue adaptation
1Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime, and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, TU Delft, Mekelweg 2, Delft 2628 CD, The Netherlands.
Summary
This study reviews open problems in theoretical bone tissue adaptation modeling. It identifies four categories of challenges, highlighting largely overlooked areas for future research in this field.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Computational Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Theoretical modeling of bone tissue adaptation has a long history.
- Significant progress has been made, yet many questions remain unanswered.
- Existing models often focus on specific aspects, leaving broader challenges unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of open problems in theoretical bone tissue adaptation modeling.
- To categorize these open problems into forward and inverse challenges.
- To highlight and discuss the importance of largely overlooked research areas.
Main Methods:
- Definition and review of principal elements in bone adaptation models.
- Identification and categorization of open problems based on model elements.
- Discussion of the significance and implications of identified open problems.
Main Results:
- Four distinct categories of open problems were identified.
- Two categories focus on forward problems, and two on inverse problems.
- Most prior research concentrated on the first category of forward problems, neglecting others.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in the theoretical modeling of bone adaptation, particularly in inverse problems and less-studied forward problems.
- Further research is needed to address these overlooked areas.
- Inspiring new research avenues is crucial for advancing the field.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
Bone Remodeling and Repair
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...
Bone Structure
Within the skeletal system, the structure of a bone, or osseous tissue, can be exemplified in a long bone, like the femur, where there are two types of osseous tissue: cortical and cancellous.
Spongy Bone
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the bone).
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...

