An analytical investigation into possible mechanical causes of bone remodelling.

Three-dimensional finite element analyses were carried out on idealisations of two situations where bone remodelling has been reported clinically viz. the malaligned femur and a maxillary central incisor under orthodontic loading. The mechanical responses, i.e. stress, strain and change of curvature, in various directions, are presented. They are compared with the biological response, either bone resorption or bone deposition. The results are discussed in relation to three current theories of bone remodelling.