Multiscale modelling and simulation of musculoskeletal tissues for orthopaedics

Abstract

Successful development of implants for orthopaedic surgical procedures depends on a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between implant biomaterials and the host tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Mechanical factors are a key part of this interaction. This chapter investigates the potential of computational modelling and simulation approaches at multiple length scales to elucidate the response of musculoskeletal tissues to orthopaedic implants, leading to improved treatment outcomes. To a large extent, musculoskeletal tissues derive their load-bearing function from their hierarchically arranged structure; therefore we pay particular attention to modelling of the musculoskeletal tissues themselves from the nano- and micro-scales to the macro-scale. The most well-characterised musculoskeletal tissue are bone, and this chapter covers recent work on micro- and nanoscale modelling of bone and collagen and on defining the elasto-plastic constitutive response of the bone extracellular matrix using finite element models of bone nanoindentation combined with atomic force microscopy to map the inelastic deformation of the tissues. The use of serial milling and block face imaging techniques to determine soft tissue anatomy at multiple length scales for definition of model geometry is also covered. The potential for further development of multiscale computational biomechanics through modelling cell and tissue mechanobiology is discussed, including more detailed mechanical characterisation of the tissue–implant interface, modelling the strain fields experienced by cells within the extracellular matrix and within scaffolds and coupled modelling of other physical and biological phenomena within tissues and biomaterials.