Bone contains a microfluidic network of canaliculi that has been shown to facilitate substantial and rapid transcortical interstitial fluid flow (IFF). This fluid flow originates from leaky venous sinusoids in the intramedullary cavity and is driven radially outward through cortical bone by a transmural pressure gradient between the endosteal vasculature and the lymphatic drainage at the periosteal surface. Under mechanical bending or compressive loads, pressure gradients are created that drive fluid from areas of compression to areas of tension which rapidly accelerate fluid at rates of the order of 6 milliseconds. It has been hypothesized that changes in IFF due to intraosseous pressure changes influence bone remodeling. In vivo studies will be presented that demonstrate some of the mechanisms of IFF-induced bone remodeling.
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