ANATOMIC BASIS FOR STRESS INDUCED BONE REMODELLING.

A quantitative approach to bone remodelling requires accurate quantification of bone microstructure as a starting point, since changes in the bone microstructure and shape are the only direct evidence for remodelling. Given adequate quantification of the tissue microstructure, a physiologic basis for remodelling schemes should be sought. This paper presents a hypothesis recommended as a basis for quantitative remodelling studies in bone. The bone remodelling mechanism proposed is based on the interconnections between osteocytes and between osteocytes and osteoblasts. This streaming potential based bone remodelling scheme is attractive since bone is formed and resorbed at surfaces and electric fields due to streaming potentials are largest at surfaces.