PEMF Therapyobservational2002

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on late-phase osteotomy gap healing in a canine tibial model.

Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society

confidence

Key findings

PEMF accelerated load-bearing recovery, increased new bone formation, callus maturation, and mechanical strength in late-phase tibial osteotomy healing.

View source on PubMed (PMID 12382979) ↗

Sample size: 12 dogs (6 PEMF, 6 control)
Population: Adult mixed-breed dogs with unilateral mid-diaphyseal tibial osteotomy (2-mm gap)
Dosing: 1 hour daily
Duration: 12 weeks post-surgery; PEMF for 8 weeks starting at 4 weeks
Route: Pulsed electromagnetic field (external application)
Blinding: not_reported
Controls: none
Drug class: physical modality

Measured endpoints

Functional load-bearing recovery of operated limbImprovedmusculoskeletal
significant
Load-bearing of operated limb at 8 weeksIncreasedmusculoskeletal
significant
Periosteal callus areaIncreasedbone
significant
Normalized maximum torqueIncreasedbone
significant
Torsional stiffnessIncreasedbone
significant
New-bone formation in osteotomy gap tissueIncreasedbone
significant
Mineral apposition rateIncreasedbone
significant
Cortical porosity adjacent to osteotomy lineDecreasedbone
significant

Full abstract

The effects of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on late bone healing phases using an osteotomy gap model in the canine mid-tibia were investigated. A transverse mid-diaphyseal tibial osteotomy with a 2-mm gap was performed unilaterally in 12 adult mixed-breed dogs and stabilized with external fixation. Animals in the variable group (n = 6) were treated with PEMF for 1 h daily starting 4 weeks after surgery for a total of 8 weeks, whereas no stimulation signal was generated in the control group (n = 6). Functional load-bearing and radiographic assessments were conducted time-sequentially until euthanasia 12 weeks after surgery. Torsional tests and an analysis of undecalcified histology were performed on the retrieved mid-tibial diaphysis containing the osteotomy site. In the PEMF group, load-bearing of the operated limb recovered earlier when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Load-bearing in the PEMF group at 8 weeks was greater than in the control group (p < 0.02). The periosteal callus area increased following surgery at 6 weeks (p < 0.05) and thereafter (p < 0.01) in the PEMF group, while a significant increase was observed at 8 and 10 weeks after surgery (p < 0.05) in the control group. Both the normalized maximum torque and torsional stiffness of the PEMF group were significantly greater than those of the control group (p < 0.04 and p < 0.007, respectively). Histomorphometric analyses revealed greater new-bone formation (p < 0.05) in the osteotomy gap tissue and increased mineral apposition rate (p < 0.04) and decreased porosity in the cortex adjacent to the osteotomy line (p < 0.02) in the PEMF group. PEMF stimulation of 1 h per day for 8 weeks provided faster recovery of load-bearing, a significant increase in new bone formation, and a higher mechanical strength of the healing mid-tibial osteotomy. This study revealed enhancing effects of PEMF on callus formation and maturation in the late-phase of bone healing.

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