Statistical characterization of piezoelectric coefficient d(23) in cow bone

In a newly developed, highly sensitive dilatometer we applied pulsatile ele ctric fields to five dry bone samples cut from mid-tibial sections within a 90 degrees angle from the rear to front asis. Samples of five cows were st udied. We measured the piezoelectric coefficient d(23) establishing its mea n and confidence interval for the first time. An analysis of variance detec ted a significant difference of the coefficient between animals (P < 0.01) but not between samples (P = 0.5). Between animals the coefficient ranged f rom 9.6 x 10(-14) to 27.1 x 10(-14) C/N. It can no longer be assumed that p iezoelectricity is an inherent property of bone, constant between animals. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.