In silicodesign of treatment strategies in wound healing and bone fracture healing

Abstract

Wound and bone fracture healing are natural repair processes initiated by trauma. Over the last decade, many mathematical models have been established to investigate the healing processesin silico, in addition to ongoing experimental work. In recent days, the focus of the mathematical models has shifted from simulation of the healing process towards simulation of the impaired healing process and thein silicodesign of treatment strategies. This review describes the most important causes of failure of the wound and bone fracture healing processes and the experimental models and methods used to investigate and treat these impaired healing cases. Furthermore, the mathematical models that are described address these impaired healing cases and investigate various therapeutic scenariosin silico. Examples are provided to illustrate the potential of thesein silicoexperiments. Finally, limitations of the models and the need for and ability of these models to capture patient specificity and variability are discussed.