Abstract

Bone fracture healing is a complex process that ultimately results in the formation of new bone tissue. One of the most influential factors in this process is the mechanical environment at the healing site. Computational models, utilizing mechanobiological algorithms, can simulate the effects of mechanical stimuli on the differentiation of stem cells into various cell types, and consequently different tissues during bone healing. This paper reviews the field of computational mechanobiology with a focus on bone healing and discusses about some existing mechanobiological models. Recently, a combination of mechanobiological algorithms with a more detailed description of cellular and molecular events has deen tackled by some researchers. A major challenge in this field is the validation of models through comparison with experimental data. These models can contribute to a better understanding of the bone fracture healing process and optimize the design of implants, and also methods of bone fracture treatment. Currently avialable mechanobiological models are still in their infancy and need to be continuously updated and refined in line with ongoing advancements in the field of stem cell mechanobiology. In this review, recent advancements and current challenges in this field of research are critically discussed. Keywords: Fracture healing, mechanobiological model, mesenchymal stem cells, finite element analysis, callus formation.