Computerized simulation of bone remodeling: graphic demonstration of dynamic processes.

A computerized simulation model has been developed to study the histologic patterns of dynamic remodeling processes in trabecular bone. The osteoid seam thickness and the distance between the tetracycline labels are calculated based on (partly hypothesized) parameter values, such as matrix appositional rate, mineralization rate, number and life span of the osteoclasts, resorption rate, and mineralization lag time. The results of a simulation run are demonstrated using computer graphics. Such simulation results cast doubts on the validity of some approaches that attempt to infer details of remodeling processes from histologic measurements. For example, the distance between the tetracycline labels obtained by simulation illustrates the difficulty of over-or underestimating the matrix appositional rate by measuring it from a histologic section.