Two and three dimensional numerical solution of combined internal and external bone remodelling

Based on the Cowin (1981) mathematical model for bone remodelling, a computer program is developed to simulate the remodelling process in healing period of a fractured bone using finite element technique. In this study, primarily, surface bone remodelling in a long bone fractured from the middle under a compressive axial force is analyzed three dimensionally. Furthermore, study is directed towards a two dimensional case in which both internal and surface bone remodeling mechanisms are incorporated. In the next step, by assistance of this program, in a cycle of trial and error and doing some mathematics, the range of acceptable values for some constant coefficients in the model are obtained. Finally, a long bone with a central hole fractured from the middle and under eccentric axial compressive load is analyzed three dimensionally. The effects of both internal and surface bone remodelling are considered simultaneously