Journal of theoretical biology
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Phenomenological computational models of tissue regeneration and bone healing have been only partially successful in predicting experimental observations. This may be a result of simplistic modeling of cellular activity. Furthermore, phenomenological models are limited when considering the effects of combined physical and biological interventions. ⋯ The additional value of the presented model and the importance of including cell-phenotype specific activities when modeling tissue differentiation and bone healing, were demonstrated by comparing the predictions with phenomenological models. The model's capacity was established by showing that it can correctly predict several aspects of bone healing, including cell and tissue distributions during normal fracture healing. Furthermore, it was able to predict experimentally established alterations due to excessive mechanical stimulation, periosteal stripping and impaired effects of cartilage remodeling.