A hybrid numerical approach coupling the multiphase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) method for multiphase flows and the Monte Carlo method for population balances is proposed to simulate particle breakage in dense particulate flows. When the computational time step is short enough, the particle motion and breakage can be decoupled approximately into separate processes. With this assumption, the MP-PIC method is firstly employed to solve the current multiphase flow dynamics, and then breakage events that might have occurred during the time step are predicted by the Monte Carlo method. Basic models and implementation of the coupling algorithm are described. Four test problems are presented for accuracy and capability demonstration. A kinetic breakage kernel is applied with a parabolic fragment distribution to the simulation of particle abrasion in a fluidized bed. Results suggest the approach an effective method for particle breakage modeling in dense particulate flows. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.