Detection of Stress-Generated Potentials in Fracture Callus

Abstract

SummaryStress generated potentials (SGPs) are present in cortical bone and are thought to contribute to osteocyte perception of load. Because callus also develops and remodels in response to mechanical stimulus, SGPs may be the signaling mechanism in this tissue. The feasibility of the measurement of SGPs in fracture callus was investigated in this study. Osteotomies were performed on the right ulna of 15 Mongrel dogs and allowed to heal without fixation. The ulnae were harvested at six, 12, and 18 weeks; each callus instrumented with electrodes and SGPs recorded during broad band dynamic vibrational excitation. The results of these measurements indicate that SGPs can be detected in fracture callus. Refinement of the measurement techniques may lead to a better understanding of these potentials and how they change with load magnitude and stage of healing. Understanding of SGPs in vivo may also contribute to development of electromagnetic fracture healing stimulation methodologies.Stress generated potentials (SGPs) are a probable mechanism through which cells in cortical bone sense and respond to load. In this study, SGPs were identified in fracture callus, a tissue that also responds to load by remodeling. Further study of these potentials may assist in the development of methods for stimulation of fracture healing.This material was presented at the American College of Veterinary Surgeous Magazine Meeting, Washington, DC, October, 1994.