volantis@... wrote:
> Is there anybody here willing to get active in discussion? I have a
> severely fractured tibia. After 2 months of surgery and waiting,
> the bone still has not started knitting. My surgeon recommended
> removing a piece of my hip, grinding it up, and using the pulp in
> between the broken leg bone to try to initiate the knitting.
> After doing some research, I cancelled my upcoming surgery and told
> the doctor I would like 6 weeks to try to get the bone healing
> naturally. I had read a book by George J. Washnis called Discover
> of Magnetic Health and found many excellent web sites detailing the
> success of magnetic healing for bones.
>

Can you tell us what type of magnotherapy you are using, traditional 'North
pole for healing', or the newer "multipole" techniques.

I've listed some studies on bone healing that you might not have come across.
----
Effects of static magnetic and pulsed electromagnetic fields on bone healing.

Darendeliler MA, Darendeliler A, Sinclair PM
Discipline of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney,
Australia.
Int J Adult Orthodon Orthognath Surg 1997;12(1):43-53
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the healing pattern of an
experimentally induced osteotomy in Hartley guinea pigs in the presence of
static magnetic and pulsed electromagnetic fields. The sample consisted of 30
Hartley guinea pigs 2 weeks of age divided into 3 groups: pulsed
electromagnetic,
static magnetic, and control. An osteotomy was performed in the mandibular
postgonial area in all groups under general anesthesia. During the experimental
period of 9 days, the animals were kept in experiment cages 8 hours per day, the
first two groups being in the presence of pulsed electromagnetic and static
magnetic field, respectively. Based on histologic results, both static and
pulsed electromagnetic fields seemed to accelerate the rate of bone repair when
compared to the control group. The osteotomy sites in the control animals
consisted of connective tissue, while new bone had filled the osteotomy areas in
both magnetic field groups.
Effect of a static magnetic field on fracture healing in a rabbit radius
Author Bruce GK; Howlett CR; Huckstep RL
Source Clin Orthop, (222):300-6 1987 Sep
Abstract To ascertain what effect a static magnetic force has on a healing
fracture, samarium cobalt magnets were implanted adjacent to induced radial
fractures in adult rabbits. A magnetic field of 220-260 G was generated at the
fracture site. The radii were allowed to heal for four weeks and the
contralateral fractured bones acted as controls. Healing bone units were
assessed
microscopically and mechanically. Significantly greater forces (p less than
0.01)
were required to break those bone units exposed to magnetic fields. However, no
significant difference was found when comparing the longitudinal midcallus
areas from magnetized and nonmagnetized limbs.
Effects of static magnetic field on bone formation of rat femurs.
Yan QC; Tomita N; Ikada Y
Address Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan.
Source Med Eng Phys, 20(6):397-402 1998 Sep
Abstract Effects of static magnetic fields (SMF) on bone formation of rat
femurs, were evaluated using tapered rods made of magnetized and unmagnetized
samarium cobalt of the same size. They were implanted transcortically into the
middle diaphysis of rat femurs under press-fit loading. The bone mineral
density (BMD) and bone calcium content were measured 12 weeks after implantation
by
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and chemical analysis with o-cresolphthalein
complexon, respectively. The result revealed that the femurs adjacent to
magnetized specimens had significantly higher BMD and calcium content than those
adjacent to the unmagnetized specimen (p < 0.01). However, the value of BMD and
calcium content of rats with magnetized specimens was similar to that of
non-operated rats. No specific change was found in the body weight, serum Ca,
activity of alkaline phosphatase, hemogram, and BMD of the tibia and humerus
among
the magnetized and unmagnetized. These results suggest that the long-term
local SMF stimulation on the bone has a local effect to prevent the decrease in
BMD caused by surgical invasion or implantation.
Use of magnetotherapy for treatment of bone malunion in limb lengthening.
Preliminary report
Rajewski F; Marciniak W
Address Kliniki Ortopedii Dzieci¸ecej Instytutu Ortopedii i Rehabilitacji AM
im. K. Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu.
Source Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol, 57(1-3):247-9 1992
Abstract Two children with bone malunion after lengthening of congenitally
shortened lower leg have been presented. The crus has been elongation 8 cm by
Ilizarov method in 9 years old boy and 5 cm elongation of the tibia has been
achieved with the use of Bastiani method in 8 years old girl. In both cases
malunion has occurred. The radiographs revealed pseudoarthrosis (the girl, 6
month
after operation) and centrally located bony defect (the boy, 2 months
postoperatively). In both cases pulse sinusoidal magnetic field was applied
successfully with cortical bone and marrow cavity restored in 2 months.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields promote bone formation around dental implants
inserted into the femur of rabbits.
Matsumoto H, Ochi M, Abiko Y, Hirose Y, Kaku T, Sakaguchi K.
Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences
University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293 Japan.
Source: Clin Oral Implants Res 2000 Aug;11(4):354-60
The present study examined the effect of applying a pulsed electromagnetic
field (PEMF) on bone formation around a rough-surfaced dental implant. A dental
implant was inserted into the femur of Japanese white rabbits bilaterally. A
PEMF with a pulse width of 25 microseconds and a pulse frequency of 100 Hz was
applied. PEMF stimulation was applied for 4 h or 8 h per day, at a magnetic
intensity of 0.2 mT, 0.3 mT or 0.8 mT. The animals were sacrificed 1, 2 or 4
weeks after implantation. After staining the resin sections with 2% basic
fuchsin
and 0.1% methylene blue, newly formed bone around the implant on tissue
sections was evaluated by computer image analysis. The bone contact ratios of
the
PEMF-treated femurs were significantly larger than those of the control groups.
Both the bone contact ratio and bone area ratio of the 0.2 mT- and 0.3
mT-treated femurs were significantly larger than the respective value of the 0.8
mT-treated femurs (P < 0.001). No significant difference in bone contact ratio
or
bone area ratio was observed whether PEMF was applied for 4 h/day or 8 h/day.
Although a significantly greater amount of bone had formed around the implant
of the 2-week treated femurs than the 1-week treated femurs, no significant
difference was observed between the 2-week and 4-week treated femurs. These
results suggest that PEMF stimulation may be useful for promoting bone formation
around rough-surfaced dental implants. It is important to select the proper
magnetic intensity, duration per day, and length of treatment.
Treatment of Therapeutically Resistant Non-unions with Bone Grafts and
Pulsing Electromagnetic Fields
Bassett C.A, et al
Journal of Bone Joint Surg, 64(8), October 1982, p. 1214-1220.
This study examined the effects of bone grafting and pulsed electromagnetic
fields on a group of 83 adults with ununited fractures. Results showed a
successful healing rate of 87 percent in the 38 patients originally treated with
bone grafts and PEMF for ununited fractures with wide gaps, synovial
pseudarthrosis, and malalignment. A healing rate of 93 percent was shown among
the 45
patients who had initially been unsuccessfully treated with PEMF alone and had
bone
-grafting and were re-treated with pulsing electromagnetic fields.
Treatment of Ununited Tibial Diaphyseal Fractures with Pulsing
Electromagnetic Fields
Bassett. C.A, et al
Journal of Bone Joint Surg, 63(4), April 1981, p. 511-523.
This study examined the effects of pulsing electromagnetic fields on 125
patients suffering from ununited fractures of the tibial diaphysis. Results
showed
a healing rate of 87 percent.
Treatment of Delayed Union and Nonunion of the Tibia Pulsed Electromagnetic
Fields. A Retrospective Follow-up
Meskens M.W, et al
Bull Hosp Jt Dis Orthop Inst, 48(2), Fall 1988, p. 170-175.
Results of this study showed treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields
resulted in an overall success rate of at least 75 percent in patients suffering
from tibial lesions.
The Development and Application of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) for
Ununited and Arthrodeses
Bassett C.A
Clin Plast Surg, 12(2), April 1985, p. 259-277.
This review article makes the following observations with respect to the use
of pulsed electromagnetic fields in treating ununited fractures, failed
arthrodeses, and congenital pseudarthroses. The treatment has been shown to be
more
than 90 percent effective in adult patients. In cases where union does not
occur with PEMFs alone after approximately four months, PEMF treatment coupled
with fresh bone grafts ensures a maximum failure rate of only 1 to 1.5 percent.
For those with delayed union three to four months following fracture, PEMFs
appear to be more successful than in patients treated with other conservative
methods. For more serious conditions, including infected nonunions, multiple
surgical failures, long-standing atrophic lesions, failed knee arthrodeses after
removal of infected prostheses, and congenital pseudarthroses, PEMF treatment
has exhibited success in most patients.

Treatment of Nonunited Scaphoid Fractures Pulsed Electromagnetic Field and
Cast
Frykman G.K, et al.,
Journal of Hand Surg, 11(3), May 1986, p. 344-349.
Results of this study found that 35 of 44 nonunited scaphoid fractures 6
months or older healed in a mean time of 4.3 months during pulsed
electromagnetic
field treatment using external coils and a thumb spica cast.
Effect of Electromagnetic Field Stimulation on Fractures of the Femoral Neck.
A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study
Betti E, et al
Second World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine,
8-13 June 1997, Bologna, Italy.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of pulsed
electromagnetic fields in femoral neck fracture patients undergoing
conventional therapy. PEMF treatment was started within two weeks of fracture,
and
patients were instructed to make use of the electromagnetic device for 8 hours
per
day over a 90-day period. Results showed beneficial effects relative to
controls after 18 months of follow-up.
Electrical Stimulation of Human Femoral Intertrochanteric Osteotomies.
Double-Blind Study
Borsalino G, et al
Clin Orthop, (237), December 1988, p. 256-263.
Results of this double-blind study showed significant healing effects of
low-frequency pulsing electromagnetic fields in patients treated with femoral
intertrochanteric osteotomy for hip degenerative arthritis.
Pulsing Electromagnetic Field Treatment in Ununited Fractures and Failed
Arthrodeses
Bassett C.A, et al
JAMA, 247(5), February 5, 1982, p. 623-628.
This review article on pulsing electromagnetic fields in the treatment of
bone fracture observes that the surgically noninvasive outpatient method
approved
by the FDA in 1979 produced confirmed end results in 1007 ununited fractures
and 71 failed arthrodeses, with an overall success rate at
Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center of 81 percent; an international success
rate of 79 percent,
and a success rate with other patients in the U.S. of 76 percent.
Results of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) in Ununited Fractures after
External Skeletal Fixation
Marcer M, et al
Clin Orthop, (190), November 1984, p. 260-265.
In this study, 147 patients with fractures of the tibia, femur, and humerus
who had failed to benefit from surgery received treatment with external
skeletal fixation in situ and pulsed electromagnetic fields. Results indicated
an
overall success rate of 73 percent. Femur union was seen in 81 percent and tibia
union in 75 percent.
Stimulation of Fracture Healing with Electromagnetic Fields of Extremely Low
Frequency (EMF of ELF)
Wahlstrom O
Clin Orthop, (186), June 1984, p. 293-301.
This study examined the effects of extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic
fields (1-1000 Hz, 4 gauss) on new bone fractures of female patients. Results
led the authors to suggest that EMF treatment accelerates the early stages of
fracture healing.
Slow Healing Fractures: Can They be Prevented? (Results of Electrical
Stimulation in Fibular Osteotomies in Rats and in Diaphyseal Fractures of the
Tibia
in Humans)
G. Fontanesi, et al.,
Italian Journal of Orthop Traumatol, 12(3), September 1986, p. 371-385.
This study examined the preventive effects of low-frequency pulsing
electromagnetic fields against delayed union in rat fibular osteotomies and
diaphyseal
tibia fractures in humans. Results indicated such treatment modulated and
accelerated fracture union in both groups.
Use of Magnetotherapy for Treatment of Bone Malunion in Limb Lengthening.
Preliminary Report
Rajewski F;Marciniak W
Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol, 57(1-3), 1992, p. 247-249.
This article discusses the cases of two children with bone malunion following
lengthening of congenitally shortened lower legs. Pulsed sinusoidal magnetic
field treatment was beneficial for both patients.
The Treatment of Non-union: Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Combined with a
Denham External Fixator
Simonis R.B, et al
Injury, 15(4), January 1984, p. 255-260.
Results of this study showed that 13 of 15 cases of long-bone nonunion
treated with pulsed electromagnetic fields in combination with Denham external
fixator united within several months.
Acceleration of Repair of Non-unions Electromagnetic Fields
Sedel L, et al
Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot, 67(1), 1981, p. 11-23.
Results of this study found electromagnetic field stimulation to be an
effective treatment for nonunion among a group of 37 French patients.
Out-patient Treatment of Surgically Resistant Non-unions Induced Pulsing
Current - Clinical Results
J.C. Mulier & F. Spaas,
Arch Orthop Trauma Surg, 97(4), 1980, p. 293-297.
Results of this study found treatment induced pulsing to be beneficial in
patients suffering from nonunions unresponsive to surgery
Treatment of Surgically Resistant Non-unions with Pulsed Electromagnetic
Fields
O'Connor B.T.,
Reconstr Surg Traumatology, 19, 1985, p. 123-132.
Results of this study showed pulsed electromagnetic fields to have beneficial
healing effects in patients suffering from difficult to treat and surgically
resistant bone nonunions.
Therapeutic Uses of Electric and Magnetic Fields in Orthopedics
Bassett A
Biological Effects of Electric and Magnetic Fields. Volume II: Beneficial
and Harmful Effects, San Diego: Academic Press, 1994, p. 13-48.
This review article notes that the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields began
in 1974, and that 250,000 nonunion patients have received the treatment
since. The author argues that success rates are comparable to those of bone
grafting, and that PEMF treatment is more cost-effective and free of side
effects.
The FDA approved PEMF use in 1982, although it remains widely unused due to
physician misunderstanding and lack of knowledge concerning the treatment.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields. A Noninvasive Therapeutic Modality for
Fracture Nonunion (Interview)
C.A. Bassett
Orthop. Review, 15(12), 1986, p. 781-795.
In this interview with Dr. C. Andrew L. Bassett, a physician researching the
use of pulsed electromagnetic fields for the past 30 years at Columbia Unive
rsity's Orthopedic Research Lab, Dr. Bassett notes that approximately 10,000 of
the 12,000-plus orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. have used pulsed
electromagnetic fields on at least one patient. Many such surgeons have
incorporated the
therapy on a more regular basis. He estimates that a total of at least 65,000
patients nationwide have received the treatment, with a probable success rate of
between 80 and 90 percent. Use of the treatment has been primarily in
patients suffering from nonunited fractures, fusion failures, and
pseudoarthrosis.
Computer Analysis of Data on More than 11,000 Cases of Ununited Fracture
Submitted for Treatment with Pulsing Electromagnetic Fields
Goldberg A.A
Bioelectrical Repair and Growth Society, Second Annual Meeting, 20-22
September 1982, Oxford, UK, p. 61.
This 7-year study examined data on more than 11,000 cases of nonunions
treated with pulsed electromagnetic fields for up to 10 to 12 hours per day.
Results
indicated an overall success rate of 75 percent.
Electromagnetic Fields Used in the Treatment of Fresh Fractures of the Radius
Wahlstrom O
Bioelectrical Repair and Growth Society, Second Annual Meeting, 20-22
September 1982, Oxford, UK, p. 26.
This study examined the effects of low-frequency electromagnetic fields
(1-1000 Hz) on middle-aged female patients suffering from fresh radius
fractures.
Results showed significant increases in scintimetric activity surrounding the
fracture area after two weeks of EMF treatment relative to controls.
Evaluations of the Efficacy of Using a Constant Magnetic Field in Treatment
of Patients with Traumas
Gromak G.B. Lacis G.A
Electromagnetic Therapy of Injuries and Diseases of the Support-Motor
Apparatus. International Collection of Papers, Riga, Latvia: Riga Medical
Institute,
1987, p. 88-95.
This study examined the effects of constant magnetic fields in patients
suffering from fractures. Results showed that magnetic exposure reduced pain and
the onset of edema shortly after trauma. Where edema was already present, the
treatment exhibited marked anti-inflammatory effects. The strongest beneficial
effects occurred in patients suffering from fractures of the ankle joints.
Treatment of Bone Non-Union Electromagnetic Therapy
Lynch A.F; MacAuley P
Ir Journal of Med Sci, 154(4), 1985, p. 153-155.
Results of this study found that 10 hours per day of electromagnetic
stimulation (1.0-1.5 mV) produced complete union in 23 of 26 patients receiving
the
treatment for nonjoined fractures.
Historical Overview of PEM-Assisted Bone and Tissue Healing
Bassett C.A.L
Bioelectromagnetics Society, 10th Annual Meeting, 19-24 June 1988, Stamford,
CT, p. 19.
This review article looks at the history of pulsed electromagnetic fields as
a means of bone repair. The author argues that success rates have been either
superior or equivalent to those of surgery, with PEMF free of side effects and
risk.
Pulsed electromagnetic fields for the treatment of bone fractures
Satter Syed A; Islam MS; Rabbani KS; Talukder MS
Industrial Physics Division, BCSIR Laboratories, Dhaka.
Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 1999 Apr;25(1):6-10 (ISSN: 0377-9238)
The effectiveness of electrical stimulation and Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field
(PEMF) stimulation for enhancement of bone healing has been reported by many
workers. The mechanism of osteogenesis is not clear, therefore, studies look
for empirical evidence. The present study involved a clinical trial using low
amplitude PEMF on 19 patients with non-union or delayed union of the long
bones. The pulse system used was similar in shape to Bassett's single pulse
system
where the electric voltage pulse was 0.3 mSec wide repeating every 12 mSec
making a frequency of about 80 Hz. The peak magnetic fields were of the order of
0.01 to 0.1 m Tesla, hundred to thousand times smaller than that of Bassett.
Among the 13 who completed this treatment schedule the history of non-union was
an average of 41.3 weeks. Within an average treatment period of 14 weeks, 11
of the 13 patients had successful bone healing. The two unsuccessful cases had
bone gaps greater than 1 cm following removal of dead bone after infection.
However, use of such a low field negates Bassett's claim for a narrow window
for shape and amplitude of wave form, and justifies further experimental study
and an attempt to understand the underlying mechanism.
Spine Fusion for Discogenic Low Back Pain: Outcomes in Patients Treated With
or Without Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation
Richard A. Marks, M.D.
Sixty-one randomly selected patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgeries
for discogenic low back pain between 1987 and 1994 were retrospectively studied.
All patients had failed to respond to preoperative conservative treatments.
Forty-two patients received adjunctive therapy with pulsed electromagnetic
field (PEMF) stimulation, and 19 patients received no electrical stimulation of
any kind. Average follow-up time was 15.6 months postoperatively. Fusion
succeeded in 97.6% of the PEMF group and in 52.6% of the unstimulated group
(P<.001).
The observed agreement between clinical and radiographic outcome was 75%. The
use of PEMF stimulation enhances bony bridging in lumbar spinal fusions.
Successful fusion underlies a good clinical outcome in patients with discogenic
low back pain.
Non-invasive treatment of ununited fractures of the tibia using electrical
stimulation.
de Haas WG, Watson J, Morrison DM.
J Bone Joint Surg Br 1980 Nov;62-B(4):465-70
A non-invasive method of electrical stimulation of healing in ununited
fractures of the tibia by pulsed magnetic fileds has been evaluated. In a series
of
17 patients all but two of the fractures united within 4 to 10 months, with an
average time of just under six months. The method is sufficiently promising
to merit further clinical investigation.
PMID: 6968752

Non-Union Treatment with Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields.
Heckman JD, Ingram AJ,Loyd RD, Luck JV Jr, Mayer PW.
Clin Orthop 1981 Nov-Dec;(161):58-66
Noninvasive, pulsed electromagnetic field treatment, when properly employed,
was effective in securing healing of un-united fractures in 64.4% of 149
patients.
The effectiveness of this modality can be ascertained after three months of
intensive use in more than 85% of patients, thus enabling the clinician to
decide to terminate treatment, continue electro-stimulation, or abandon it in
favor of another treatment modality.
The success of treatment is dependent upon certain variables. Anatomic
location of the nonunion is important. Higher healing rates were noted in the
tibia
than in the femur or humerus. In some conditions, combined electro-stimulation
and bone grafting was more effective than either measure alone.
Young patients healed more rapidly than older patients.
Electro-stimulation is more effective when instituted within two years of the
original fracture than when started at longer intervals after the injury.
Infection, either quiescent or actively draining, does not seem to affect the
overall results.
Of greatest importance is patient adherence to the treatment protocol as
outlined, with emphasis placed on adequate immobilization of the fracture and
absolute non weight-bearing during treatment.
Considering these factors and in light of the very rare frequency of
short-term side effects, the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields appears to be
a
reasonable choice of treatment in the management of un-united fractures.
PMID: 6975692
Long-term Follow-up of Fracture Non-Unions Treated with PEMFs.
Garland DE, Moses B, Salyer W.
University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles,
California.
Contemp Orthop 1991 Mar;22(3):295-302
One hundred thirty-nine established fracture non-unions were treated using a
pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device that also recorded patient usage.
Patients who used the device less than an average of three hours a day had a
success rate of 35.7% (5/14), while those who used the device in excess of thr
ee hours daily had an 80% success rate (108/135).
The difference in the success rate was statistically significant at p less
than .05. Treatment success was unaffected by long versus short bone, open
versus closed fractures, nonunion of nine to 12 months duration compared to one
to
ten years, age of patient (whether less than or greater than age 60), gender,
recalcitrant versus first time treatment, infected versus noninfected
no-nunions, fracture gaps up to 1cm, or weightbearing versus nonweightbearing.
Ninety-seven fractures in 90 patients (90% follow-up) who averaged more than
three hours of PEMF treatment daily and were originally classified as healed
were reevaluated clinically and radiographically at four years following
treatment (range: 3.6-5.4 years; mean: 4.1 years). Eighty-nine (92%) maintained
a
solid union.
The success rate of PEMF treatment for nonunion repair demonstrated no
statistically significant change over long-term follow-up. PMID: 10147555
Pulsed electromagnetic fields increase growth factor release by nonunion
cells.
Guerkov HH, Lohmann CH, Liu Y, Dean DD, Simon BJ, Heckman JD, Schwartz Z,
Boyan BD.
Department of Orthopaedics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San
Antonio, 78229-3900, USA.
Source: Clin Orthop 2001 Mar;(384):265-79
The mechanisms involved in pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation of
nonunions are not known. Animal and cell culture models suggest endochondral
ossification is stimulated by increasing cartilage mass and production of
transforming growth factor-beta 1. For the current study, the effect of pulsed
electromagnetic field stimulation on cells from human hypertrophic (n = 3) and
atrophic
(n = 4) nonunion tissues was examined. Cultures were placed between Helmholtz
coils, and an electromagnetic field (4.5-ms bursts of 20 pulses repeating at
15 Hz) was applied to 1/2 of them 8 hours per day for 1, 2, or 4 days. There
was a time-dependent increase in transforming growth factor-beta 1 in the
conditioned media of treated hypertrophic nonunion cells by Day 2 and of
atrophic
nonunion cells by Day 4. There was no effect on cell number, [3H]-thymidine
incorporation, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, or
prostaglandin
E2 and osteocalcin production. This indicates that human nonunion cells
respond to pulsed electromagnetic fields in culture and that transforming growth
factor-beta 1 production is an early event. The delayed response of hypertrophic
and atrophic nonunion cells (> 24 hours) suggests that a cascade of
regulatory events is stimulated, culminating in growth factor synthesis and
release.
The Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Instrumented Posterolateral
Spinal Fusion and Device-Related Stress Shielding
Manabu Ito*, MD, PhD; Lisa A. Fay, MS; Yasuko Ito*, RNNP; Monique R. Yuan; W.
Thomas Edwards, PhD; Hansen A. Yuan, MD
From the *Department of Orthopaedics, Hokkaido University School of Medicine,
Sapporo, Japan, and the Department of Orthopaedics, State University of New
York at Syracuse, Syracuse, New York.
Source: SPINE 1997 February;22:382-388
Study Design. This study was designed to examine stress-shielding effects on
the spine caused by rigid implants and to investigate the effects of pulsed
electromagnetic fields on the instrumented spine.
Objectives. To investigate the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on
posterolateral spinal fusion, and to determine if osteopenia induced by rigid
instrumentation can be diminished by pulsed electromagnetic fields.
Summary of Background Data. Although device-related osteopenia on vertebral
bodies is of a great clinical importance, no method for preventing bone mineral
loss in vertebrae by stiff spinal implants has been effective.
Methods. Twenty-eight adult beagles underwent L5-L6 destabilization followed
by posterolateral spinal fusion. The study was divided into four groups: 1)
Group CNTL: without instrumentation, without pulsed electromagnetic fields, 2)
Group PEMF: without Steffee, with pulsed electromagnetic fields, 3) Group INST:
with Steffee, without pulsed electromagnetic fields, 4) Group PEMF + INST:
with Steffee, with pulsed electromagnetic fields. At the end of 24 weeks, the
dogs were killed, and L4-L7 segments were tested biomechanically without
instrumentation. Radiographs and quantitative computed tomography assessed the
condition of the fusion mass.
Results. Stress shielding was induced in the anterior vertebral bodies of L6
with the Steffee plates; bone mineral density was increased with the addition
of pulsed electromagnetic fields, regardless of the presence or absence of
fixation. A decrease in flexion and bending stiffness was observed in the Group
INST; pulsed electromagnetic fields did increase the flexion stiffness
regardless of the presence or absence of fixation, although this was not
statistically
significant.
Conclusions. Use of pulsed electromagnetic fields has the potential to
minimize device-related vertebral-bone mineral loss.
Biophysical aspects of the application of electromagnetic fields in
orthopedics and traumatology.
Markov MS.
Electromagnetic Therapy in Trauma and Diseases of the Support-motor
Apparatus. Detlavs, I, ed. Rija : Zinatie Press 1984.
A non-surgical salvage of surgically-resistant pseudoarthroses and non-unions
by pulsing electromagnetic fields.
Bassett CAL, Pilla AA, Pawluk RJ,
Clin Orthop 1977;124:117-128.
A double-blind trial of pulsed electromagnetic fields for delayed union of
tibial fractures.
Sharrard WJW.
J Bone Joint Surg 1990; 72B:347-352.
Treatment of ununited tibial fractures: A comparison of surgery and pulsed
electromagnetic fields (PEMF).
Gossling HR, Bernstein RA, Abbott J.
Orthopaedics 1992;15:711-719.
Electrical Stimulation in Treatment of Delayed Union and Nonunion of
Fractures and Osteotomies
Dunn A.W ; Rush G.A
Southern Medical Journal, 77(12), December 1984, p. 1530-1534.
This study reviews the cases of 52 patients with 52 ununited fractures and
osteotomies who were treated with two methods of electrical stimulation, one
surgical, the other nonsurgical. Seventeen patients, 14 of whom had concomitant
bone grafting, had implantation of a bone growth stimulator. There were three
synovial pseudarthroses but no active infection in this group. The overall
success rate in healing of the fractures was 82%. Thirty-five patients, of whom
four had initial concomitant bone grafting, were treated with pulsing
electromagnetic fields (PEMF). There were six draining infections but no
pseudarthrosis
in this group. Two nonunions healed after bone grafting was combined with PEMF
treatment, when the latter alone had failed. Eighty-one percent of the
fractures united, and drainage ceased in five of the six infections. PMID:
6390697
Electromagnetic Field Stimulation of Osteotomies
Traina G.C
Second World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine,
8-13 June 1997, Bologna, Italy.
Effect of Exposure Time on Stimulation of Healing in the Rabbit Tibial
Osteotomy Model a Time Varying Pulsed Electromagnetic Field, and a Combined
Magnetic
Fields
Nepola J, et al
Second World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine,
8-13 June 1997, Bologna, Italy.
The treatment of pathological bone lesion with nonthermal, extremely low
frequency electromagnetic fields.
Kraus W. (1992):
Biolelectrochemistry and Bioenergetics 27:321-339.
Magnetotherapy in infected open bone fractures
Gertsen IG, et al.
Voen Med Zh. 1979 Apr;(4):35-7. Russian. No abstract available
Effects of magnetotherapy on blood cells in the treatment of traumatic
fractures and osteomyelitis of the lower jaw
Haidukova SM, Dovbish NO, Malanchuk VO
Magnetotherapy in mandibular fractures
Mikhailova RI, et al.
Stomatologiia (Mosk). 1982 Jan-Feb;61(1):41-3. Russian. No abstract
available.
Acceleration of fracture repair by electromagnetic fields- A surgically
noninvasive approach.
Basset CAL, Pawluk RJ, Pilla AA (1974):
Ann NY Acad Sci 238:242-262.
Repair of non-unions by pulsing electromagnetic fields.
Bassett CA, Mitchell SN, Norton L, et al.
Acta Orthop Belg. 1978;44:706-724.
------------------------------------
Best wishes
--
John Bain
Magnotherapy user, researcher & distributor and ex-UK TV Sound Director
http://members.aol.com/JBainSI/Magnotherapy.html
Surround Sound for Television





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