Modeling tracer transport in an osteon under cyclic loading

A mathematical model is developed to explain the fundamental conundrum as to how during cyclic mechanical loading there can be net solute (e.g., nutrient, tracer) transport in bone via the lacunar-canalicular porosity when there is no net fluid movement in the canaliculi over a loading cycle. Our hypothesis is that the fluid space in an osteocytic lacuna facilitates a nearly instantaneous mixing process of bone fluid that creates a difference in tracer concentration between the inward and outward canalicular flow and thus ensures net tracer transport to the osteocytes during cyclic loading, as has been shown experimentally. The sequential spread of the tracer from the osteonal canal to the lacunae is investigated for an osteon experiencing sinusoidal loading. The fluid pressure in the canaliculi is calculated using poroelasticity theory and the mixing process in the lacunae is then simulated computationally. The tracer concentration in lacunae extending radially from the osteonal canal to the cement line is calculated as a function of the loading frequency, loading magnitude, and number of loading cycles as well as the permeability of the lacunar-canalicular porosity. Our results show that net tracer transport to the lacunae does occur for cyclic loading. Tracer transport is found to increase with higher loading magnitude and higher permeability and to decrease with increasing loading frequency. This work will be helpful in designing experimental studies of tracer movement and bone fluid flow, which will enhance our understanding of bone metabolism as well as bone adaptation.