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The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields on secondary skin wound healing: An experimental study
Author(s) -
Athanasiou Athanasios,
Karkambounas Spiridon,
Batistatou Anna,
Lykoudis Efstathios,
Katsaraki Afroditi,
Kartsiouni Theodora,
Papalois Apostolos,
Evangelou Angelos
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
bioelectromagnetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.435
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-186X
pISSN - 0197-8462
DOI - 10.1002/bem.20303
Subject(s) - wound healing , medicine , bioelectromagnetics , surgery , electromagnetic field , physics , quantum mechanics
A variety of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have already been experimentally used, in an effort to promote wound healing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of short duration PEMF on secondary healing of full thickness skin wounds in a rat model. Full thickness skin wounds, 2 by 2 cm, were surgically inflicted in two groups of male Wistar rats, 24 animals each. In the first group (experimental group ‐ EG), the animals were placed and immobilized in a special constructed cage. Then the animals were exposed to a short duration PEMF for 20 min daily. In the second group (control group ‐ CG), the animals were also placed and immobilized in the same cage for the same time, but not exposed to PEMF. On days 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 22, following the infliction of skin wounds, the size and healing progress of each wound were recorded and evaluated by means of planimetry and histological examination. According to our findings with the planimetry, there was a statistically significant acceleration of the healing rate for the first 9 days in EG, whereas a qualitative improvement of healing progress was identified by histological examination at all time points, compared to the control group. Bioelectromagnetics 28:362–368, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.