A finite element study of the biomechanics of aging osteocyte model

Aging lacuna-canalicular system (LCS) has osteocyte size reduction, cell process number loss, and canaliculus blockage. This study built four osteocyte aging models for various aging features. These models have processes, collagen hillocks, and primary cilia mechanoreceptors for signal comparison. A triaxial displacement load on the piezoelectric bone matrix was utilized to explore mechanical signal changes in the absence of different processes, canaliculi blockage, and the effects of aging on osteocyte mechanoreceptor signals. Osteocyte age doesn't affect piezoelectric effect electric field strength. The aging model flows slower than the normal model. Blocking canaliculi raises fluid pressure. Aging osteocytes lack processes, reducing primary cilia and process stress-strain. Osteocyte volume reduction and canaliculi blockage exacerbate this alteration.