Multiple modal frequency analysis for monitoring of bone healing

Multiple frequency modes were examined in an analogy of tibial bone healing. Wooden dowels were examined by striking with an instrumented hammer and monitoring an accelerometer at the other end of the rod. Three frequency modes were determined for intact rods, along with rods with partial transverse cuts (1/4, 1/2, 3/4 diameter depths). Fully cut rods were repaired with glue or foam to simulate complete and incomplete bone healing. The use of multiple frequency modes was determined to be a better predictor of cut bone than the first mode alone. Repaired rods displayed similar results. This work demonstrates the validity of frequency examination beyond simple first mode determination for the analysis of bone healing. Implications and future work are discussed