The effect of a constant direct current on the repair of an experimental osseous defect.

To investigate the effect of a constant direct electrical current on the mineral deposition in an experimental osseous defect, 8 microamperes of current were applied across a circular osteotomy placed in the lateral cortex of an avian metatarsus. Mineral deposition was measured to quantitate bone formation in vivo using iodine-125 absorptiometry. The electrical current had no effect either on the initiation or the rate of mineral deposition. However, the quantity of mineralized callus was significantly greater in the treated than untreated bones.