ArticleTheiss D, Rehn J.
Arch Orthop Trauma Surg (1978). 1978 Feb 10;91(1):53-9.
The question whether metals implanted in tissue may induce heat damage is yet controversial. Due to physical laws an increased production of heat is to be expected around the metal parts directed towards the capacitor plates. This is due to a converging and shunting effect of the metal in the electric field. Model experiments show that the shunting effect is most significance for the production of heat damage close to the metal. No heat damage is to be expected under the four following conditions: 1. linear or 2-dimensional osteosynthesis implantats are in a rectangular position to the electric field, 2. the metal is covered with at least 10 mm of tissue, 3. the tissue between the capacitor plates is of a with at least 40 mm and 4. common used frequency generators or field intensities are applied. Reported results suggest to investigate whether the high frequent electrical field influences the fracture regeneration advantageously.