Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF): A potential adjuvant treatment for infected nonunion

Infected nonunion is still a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. The goal of treatment is to eliminate infection and achieve bone union. Surgery is the only effective method currently. However, it is invasive and the results are still unsatisfactory. Therefore, seeking a noninvasive and effective method to resolve infected nonunion is necessary. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been used for the treatment of nonunion for more than 40 years. PEMF could promote bone formation at tissue, cell and subcellular levels. Furthermore, our study showed that PEMF had bactericidal effect. The hypothesis we proposed herein is that PEMF may be an adjuvant treatment for infected nonunion by controlling infection and inducing bone formation.