Bone Growth Stimulation

PEMF Bone Growth Stimulation

The Physio-Stim Bone Growth Stimulator uses a very low-strength pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) to activate the body’s natural healing process.

Electrical currents have been used to heal broken bones since the mid 1800s. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that scientists made an important discovery. When human bone is bent or broken, it generates an electrical field. This low-level electrical field activates the body's internal repair mechanism, which in turn stimulates bone healing.

In some patients, this healing process is impaired or absent. The fracture fragments may not mend properly, and a nonunion results. The bone growth stimulation provided by Physio-Stim has proven very successful in treating fracture nonunions. In clinical studies, Physio-Stim helped 8 out of every 10 patients to heal.

As a leader in the field of advanced devices for bone healing, Orthofix has witnessed the growing acceptance of PEMF technology as a safe, useful, and cost-effective treatment for the management of fractures.

References

1. Bassett, CAL. 1989. "Fundamental and Practical Aspects of Therapeutic Uses of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs)." Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering 17 (5): 451.
2. Zoltan, Jon D. 1986. “Electrical Stimulation of Bone: An Overview.” Seminars in Orthopaedics 1 (4).
3. Bassett, CAL, et al. 1981. “Treatment of Ununited Tibial Diaphyseal Fractures with Pulsing Electromagnetic Fields.” Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 63-A: 511-523.
4. Garland, Douglas, et al. 1991. “Long-Term Follow-up of Fracture Non-Unions Treated with PEMFs.” Contemporary Orthopaedics 22 (3).