Electrical stimulation of osteogenesis: studies of the cathode effect on rabbit femur

Three series of experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of 20 microampère constant direct current on rabbit femora. Stainless steel cathodes were introduced into the medullary cavity and anodes were placed subcutaneously. Both femora were operated on in the same manner but only the right femur was stimulated electrically. The osteogenic effect was determined histomorphometrically in two of the series. No difference in osteogenic response between the right and the left femora was found. In the third series, the femora were divided into proportionally equal parts and bone volume, ash-weight and activity of 85Sr were determined. A non-significant increase in new bone formation in the cathodal region of the right femora was noted. Our conclusion is that direct cathodal current has a weak stimulating effect on new bone formation in rabbit femora.