Condition monitoring of bones using piezo-transducers

This paper explores the feasibility of employing piezoelectric ceramic (PZT) patches as bio-medical sensors for monitoring condition of bones, through experimental studies on human and rabbit bones. Conductance signatures of PZT patches bonded to bones are acquired using the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) technique, while the bones are subjected to varying conditions such as and density changes, occurrence of cracks and fracturing. The changes in the signature correlate fairly well with the changes in the condition of the bones. Finally, the effect of healing process is experimentally simulated on rabbit bones, which showed that the conductance signature of the bones shifted back towards the original state after rejoining. The overall results of the study demonstrate good prospects of using PZT patches as bio-medical sensors.