Premium
Effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on late‐phase osteotomy gap healing in a canine tibial model
Author(s) -
Inoue Nozomu,
Ohnishi Isao,
Chen Dongan,
Deitz Luke W.,
Schwardt Jeffrey D.,
Chao Edmund Y. S.
Publication year - 2002
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/s0736-0266(02)00031-1
Subject(s) - osteotomy , bone healing , medicine , tibia , diaphysis , apposition , fixation (population genetics) , weight bearing , surgery , anatomy , orthopedic surgery , population , environmental health
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. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.