Electromechanical Properties of Bones

Bones are an integral part of the human body that exhibit piezoelectric properties, meaning that when stress is applied to the bone, the bone produces a current within itself. This is known as the piezoelectric effect. Material that are piezoelectric can similarly exhibit the reverse piezoelectric effect, meaning that when a current is applied, the material compresses on itself. This property has many applications such as applying a current to a fractured bone to promote compression of the bone to allow it to heal faster. However, too much of a current will destroy the tissue of the bone, thus killing the cells. The goal of our research is to determine the electrical conductivity of the human bone to establish the maximum amount of current that can be applied before the bone tissue begins to become damaged. Our model will expand upon that which is described by R. Casas and I. Sevostianov by considering the interaction between the Haversian and Volkmann canals of bones and their effect on the overall conductivity of the bone.