Evolution of bone inhomogeneity around a hole in an orthotropic plate of bone: theoretical predictions.

The problem of the evolution of bone inhomogeneity around a hole in a plate of bone with orthotropic symmetry is considered. The internal remodeling theory of Cowin and Hegedus is employed to show the existence of final inhomogeneity following stress concentration. The speed of remodeling around the hole and its variation with respect to distance is investigated. Results indicate that the effect of stress concentration around a hole is slightly less pronounced if bone is considered orthotropic rather than transversely isotropic. The speed of remodeling is found to be unaffected but the amplitude of inhomogeneity with respect to distance drops and disappears slightly faster if bone is considered orthotropic.