Electromechanical properties and related models of bone tissues: A review

Abstract

In this survey the mechanical and piezoelectrical properties of bone tissue and associated theoretical models have been reviewed and related references are supplied throughout. In doing this, we consider the connection of remodelling characteristics of bone tissue with electromechanical properties, by special emphasis on the feedback mechanism. In order to make the article self-sufficient, to some extent, the physiology of bone is summarized in Section 2. Examining the general picture of the research works in this area, the mechanical and electrical properties of bone tissues are studied separately. The mechanical properties of compact bone, with some contributing factors to these properties, and related theoretical models are presented in Sections 3 and 4, respectively. In Section 5, the piezoelectric properties of dry and wet bones, which are considered to be the main factor in remodelling processes, are surveyed in a chronological order. Finally, possible electromethanical models for dry and wet bones and their limitations are reported in Section 6.