Bone Research in Biomechanics

Book excerpt: This book focuses on the structure of bone, and its consequences for the mechanical behaviour of the bone structure. The first part of this book focuses on the development of models to predict the adaptation of bone due to changes on the mechanical loading situation (such as provoked by an implant). But far more important than the computer power presently available, the incorporation of knowledge on the biological processes have led to new kinds of models. Next to the development of models itself, the issue of model validation though comparison with clinical data is a main issue addressed in the papers of this symposium. The second part, dealing with the relationship between bone architecture and competence of bone, focuses on the morphology of trabecular bone structure. This work is mainly carried out in the context of research on osteoporosis, and look for the relation between bone structure and fracture risk. The last part is devoted to ultrasound research in bone biomechanics. Several methods have been described for the in vitro and in vivo measurement of ultrasound velocity and attenuation, both on cortical and on trabecular bone. The reader will not only discover the state-of-the-art when reading though this book. This book can give a taste of the fascinating perspectives the research in bone biomechanics still have to offer, even after more than 100 years.