Quantification of remodeling parameter sensitivity - assessed by a computer simulation model

We have used a computer simulation model to evaluate the effect of several bone remodeling parameters on vertebral cancellus bone. The menopause was chosen as the base case scenario, and the sensitivity of the model to the following parameters was investigated: activation frequency, formation balance, resorption depth, and critical trabecular thickness. Simulations were performed for a period of 20 years starting at age 48. The analysis showed that the number of perforations and the perforation-related mass loss both exhibited large sensitivity toward variations in final resorption depth. However, the formation balance was responsible for the greater part of total mass loss.