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Bone mass is preserved in a critical‐sized osteotomy by low energy pulsed electromagnetic fields as quantitated by in vivo micro‐computed tomography
Author(s) -
Ibiwoye Michael O.,
Powell Kimerly A.,
Grabiner Mark D.,
Patterson Thomas E.,
Sakai Yoshitada,
Zborowski Maciej,
Wolfman Alan,
Midura Ronald J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1016/j.orthres.2003.12.017
Subject(s) - in vivo , computed tomography , tomography , materials science , electromagnetic field , biomedical engineering , radiology , physics , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , quantum mechanics
The effectiveness of non‐invasive pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on stimulating bone formation in vivo to augment fracture healing is still controversial, largely because of technical ambiguities in data interpretation within several previous studies. To address this uncertainty, we implemented a rigorously controlled, blinded protocol using a bilateral, mid‐diaphyseal fibular osteotomy model in aged rats that achieved a non‐union status within 3–4 weeks post‐surgery. Bilateral osteotomies allowed delivery of a PEMF treatment protocol on one hind limb, with the contralateral limb representing a within‐animal sham‐treatment. Bone volumes in both PEMF‐treated and sham‐treated fibulae were assessed simultaneously in vivo using highly sensitive, high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography (μCT) over the course of treatment. We found a significant reduction in the amount of time‐dependent bone volume loss in PEMF‐treated, distal fibular segments as compared to their contralateral sham‐treated bones. Osteotomy gap size was significantly smaller in hind limbs exposed to PEMF over sham‐treatment. Therefore, our data demonstrate measurable biological consequences of PEMF exposure on in vivo bone tissue. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published y Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.