Measurement of thermal conductivity of the cortical bone: experimental studies and comparative analysis

Abstract

Abstract Thermal conductivity is an ambiguous material property of bone tissue that directly impacts the surgical procedure and the patient’s convalescence (thermal necrosis). The study aimed to determine the thermal coefficient experimentally and compare the results with previous results. The comparative method was used with the reference material, PMMA, with a coefficient value of 0.167 W*(mK)−1 to measure the thermal conductivity. Thanks to the obtained results, the thermal diffusivity coefficient was also determined. The results allowed to choose the coefficient of thermal conductivity at the level: 0.26-0.34 W*(mK)−1 and thermal diffusivity: 0.103-0.135 mm2*s−1. The confrontation of the results established their compliance with the latest research. The thermal conductivity coefficient varies depending on the condition of the tissue (dry or fresh) and its porosity. Due to its anisotropic structure, bone tissue can change its thermal properties depending on its location (body or head). Further extensive experimental evaluation of these properties is required.