The Simulation of Bone Loss Due to Weightlessness and Bone Recovery Using Finite Element Method

This study simulated weightlessness-induced bone loss in femur following short- (one month), medium- (three months) and long-term (six months) of spaceflight; as well as the bone recovery after the gravity of ground retrieved. The simulation results show that the weightlessness can significantly decrease the bone amount in load-bearing area in proximal femur, while has less impact on non-load-bearing areas. The bone amount couldn't fully recover to its initial value after the gravity of ground retrieves. This pilot study of bone remodeling simulation helps develop the countermeasure to retain bone mass in the future.