A bone regeneration process in which surgically implanted electrodes convey electric current, particularly at nonunion fracture sites; effective because of the different electrical potentials within bone tissue.

The process is effective because of the different electric potentials within bone tissue. Viable non-stressed bone is electronegative in the metaphysical regions and over a fracture callus and electropositive in the diaphyses and other less active regions.

Electric stimulation of the fractures can accelerate osteogenesis, forming bone more quickly in the area of a surgically inserted negative electrode.

Electrically stimulated osteogenesis can be achieved with a device that stimulates the fracture site electrically by means of several surgically implanted cathodes.

Another method for applying electrical current to fractured bone involves an open surgical procedure and implantation of electrodes.

1. Brittle bone disease.
2. A rare hereditary disease in which abnormal connective tissue development leads to fragile bones subject to fracture.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is not one but a group of genetic diseases (Types I and II), all of which affect collagen in connective tissue in the body and all of which result in fragile bones.