Microwave exposure increases bone demineralization rate independent of temperature

There is a long-standing controversy regarding an effect of microwaves, independent of increasing temperature, on the rate of bone demineralization. In this study, we exposed standardized samples of gerbil femur to constant microwave exposure while maintaining the demineralizing solution (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, EDTA) at 20 degrees C. Random samples were selected at 3 h intervals, embedded in plastic and sectioned for histological evaluation to determine the extent of demineralization. The time to complete demineralization was significantly faster with microwave exposure (33 h) compared to non-exposure on a tissue rotator (45 h) in a limited amount (5 mL/24 h) of EDTA. The presence of bone marrow was a significant barrier to the rate of demineralization and resulted in an asymmetrical pattern of mineral extraction. Samples without bone marrow were completely demineralized after 21 h of exposure to microwaves and EDTA. Additional comparisons were made between samples exposed to an effectively infinite supply of demineralizing agent (bone marrow intact). There was a significant increase in rate with unlimited demineralizing agent with (24 h) or without (30 h) microwaves when compared to tissue demineralized on the rotator. Our results establish a positive effect of microwaves on the rate of bone demineralization which is independent of temperature.