Intraoperative measurement of bone electrical potential: a piece in the puzzle of understanding fracture healing

Scientific paper - Original scientific paper

• Author: Tomislav Žigman
• Author: Slavko Davila
• Author: Ivan Dobrić
• Author: Tonisav Antoljak
• Author: Goran Augustin
• Author: Daniel Rajačić
• Author: Tomo Kovač
• Author: Tin Ehrenfreund
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Clinical Medical Sciences

Abstract (english)

INTRODUCTION:

Bone electrical potentials change with the force applied. Also, fracture alters the bone electrical potential, so
it becomes more electronegative. These potentials have an important role in fracture healing, bone growth and
remodelling. Literature data on the influence of fracture operative treatment on bone electrical potentials, and
possible consequences of this influence, are sparse. The objective of this study was to establish a method of intraoperative
bone potential measurement, and to try to find a correlation between electrical potential and fracture type, osteosynthesis
method and prognosis. ----- PATIENTS AND METHODS:

52 patients with a pertrochanteric fracture were included in the study. Bone electrical potentials were measured
intraoperatively using a thin Kirschner wire introduced through bone cortex at the selected point and pointed to
opposite cortex, not penetrating it. Kirschner wires were connected using clamps to multimeter (YF-78 Multimeter)
device. Neutral electrode (inductive rubber) was placed behind ipsilateral gluteus. ----- RESULTS:

Near the fracture site potentials of -199 up to -267 mV were recorded. Mean measured potential of bone plate after
fixation was -240 mV. Bone potentials correlated with the subtype of fracture and early mobilisation of patients. ----- CONCLUSIONS:

Bone potentials, caused by fracture, can be measured intraoperatively; the operative procedure appears to influence
their generation. Measured potentials depend on the fracture type, and could be correlated with prognosis.

• Keywords (english): Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bone Plates; Bone Wires; Corrosion; Electric Stimulation / methods; Female; Femoral Fractures / physiopathology; Femoral Fractures / surgery; Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods; Fracture Healing / physiology; Humans; Intraoperative Period; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Original scientific paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review
• Publication version: Accepted version
• Journal title: Injury
• Numbering: vol. 44, no. S. 3, pp. S16-S19
• p-ISSN: 0020-1383
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-1383(13)70191-8
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:105:482972
• Publication: 2013-09
• Document URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-1383(13)70191-8
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-03-27 20:03:46