Low-Frequency Electrical Conductivity of Trabecular Bone: Insights from In Silico Modeling

Background: The electrical conductivity of trabecular bone at 100 kHz has recently been reported as a good predictor volume fraction. However, quantifying its relationship with free water (or physiological solution) content and the conductivities constituents is still difficult. Methods: In this contribution, in silico models inspired by microCT images bovine samples were used to build realistic geometries. finite element method was applied solve problem robustly fit literature data. obtained effective compared Bruggeman three-medium mixture model using solution, marrow matrix. Results: values for solution plus (together one material) matrix that best captured fraction two-medium σps+bm = 298.4 mS/m σb 21.0 mS/m, respectively. Additionally, relatively results model, σbm= 103 σb= σps= 1200 mS/m. Simple linear relationships between proportions depending on tested. Degree anisotropy fractal dimension do not show detectable changes conductivity. Conclusions: These provided some useful findings simulation purposes. First, higher value be order obtain similar those experimental published Second, measurements small (5 mm cube). Finally, simulations presented here showed fitting which would potentially account could rescale whole-bone simulations.