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Subject-specific estimation of in-vivo loads in a murine distal vertebra model
Computational models for the characterization of tissue- and cell-level biomechanical properties of bone may be used to investigate pathological bone remodeling in osteo-degenerative diseases.
Load-adaptive bone remodeling simulations describe bone’s adaptation process that is regulated and carried out by bone cells in such a way that bone tissue is added to highly strained locations and removed from low-strained locations (Frost’s mechanostat-theory). However, such models require accurate mechanical assessment through estimation of in vivo physiological loading patterns and boundary conditions.
A novel load estimation approach has been developed based on these mechanoregulation principles using bone geometries from micro-CT images adapted via a micro-structural in silico bone adaptation simulation with a highly controlled mechanical environment. This algorithm still needs to be validated using experimental in-vivo data. Previously, our group developed a mouse model to cyclically load the sixth caudal vertebrae providing a mechanically controlled experimental environment. In-vivo micro-CT images obtained using this model may be used to experimentally validate the previously developed load-estimation algorithm.
Load-adaptive bone remodeling simulations describe bone’s adaptation process that is regulated and carried out by bone cells in such a way that bone tissue is added to highly strained locations and removed from low-strained locations (Frost’s mechanostat-theory). However, such models require accurate mechanical assessment through estimation of in vivo physiological loading patterns and boundary conditions.
A novel load estimation approach has been developed based on these mechanoregulation principles using bone geometries from micro-CT images adapted via a micro-structural in silico bone adaptation simulation with a highly controlled mechanical environment. This algorithm still needs to be validated using experimental in-vivo data. Previously, our group developed a mouse model to cyclically load the sixth caudal vertebrae providing a mechanically controlled experimental environment. In-vivo micro-CT images obtained using this model may be used to experimentally validate the previously developed load-estimation algorithm.
The goal of this project is to explore in-vivo loading patterns in the mouse distal vertebra and provide experimental validation of a previously developed load estimation algorithm. To that end, state of the art computational models and methods including Finite Element Analysis, 3D-image processing techniques and statistical analysis in a state of the art Python framework will be used for this project. Prerequisites: experience in Python, a basic understanding of numerical methods, and familiarity with image-processing techniques. Favorable: Knowledge about bone-biology (mechanoregulation), experience with HPC systems (e.g. Euler).
The goal of this project is to explore in-vivo loading patterns in the mouse distal vertebra and provide experimental validation of a previously developed load estimation algorithm. To that end, state of the art computational models and methods including Finite Element Analysis, 3D-image processing techniques and statistical analysis in a state of the art Python framework will be used for this project. Prerequisites: experience in Python, a basic understanding of numerical methods, and familiarity with image-processing techniques. Favorable: Knowledge about bone-biology (mechanoregulation), experience with HPC systems (e.g. Euler).
Matthias Walle (matthias.walle@hest.ethz.ch) HCP H 22.1, Leopold- Ruzicka-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
**Application external students (non-ETH)**: please make sure that there is an existing exchange agreement between your home University and ETH (e.g. Swiss Mobility programme (former: Erasmus+))
**Application external students (non-ETH)**: please make sure that there is an existing exchange agreement between your home University and ETH (e.g. Swiss Mobility programme (former: Erasmus+))