Julius Wolff Institut (JWI) - Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and Regeneration 

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Computational Mechanobiology

Tissues in the musculoskeletal system are exquisitely designed with superb mechanical properties. The tissues are also able to adapt to withstand changing mechanical conditions. The Computational Mechanobiology Group is focused on understanding these two exciting features. Using computer modeling techniques, we seek to understand the mechanical behavior of tissues and their adaptive and regenerative response to mechanical stimuli at the different time and length scales.

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Mechanical Regulation of Bone Healing

Although bone is able to self-repair, in many situations its regener6ation capacity is impaired, leading to delayed or non-unions. The healing process is known to be influenced by many factors; among them mechanical signals have been shown to play a fundamental role. In the Computational Mechanobiology Group, we are interested in understanding the mechanical "rules" driving bone regeneration processes. We develop computer models to simulate the mechanical regulation of cellular activity and its consequences at the tissue level.

From left to right: Histological image showing newly formed bone (light black) within the callus of a externally stabilized osteotomy in sheep. Mechanical strains within the callus region immediatly after fracture (red: high strains; blue: low strains). Diagram showing the origin of cells in a computer model of the bone healing process. Prediction of bone tissue formation within the callus in the sheep osteotomy model after two weeks of healing.

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