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Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Improves Osseous Consolidation after High Tibial Osteotomy in Elderly Patients—A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial

Authors :
Patrick Ziegler
Andreas K. Nussler
Benjamin Wilbrand
Karsten Falldorf
Fabian Springer
Anne-Kristin Fentz
Georg Eschenburg
Andreas Ziegler
Ulrich Stöckle
Elke Maurer
Atesch Ateschrang
Steffen Schröter
Sabrina Ehnert
Source :
Journal of Clinical Medicine, Vol 8, Iss 11, p 2008 (2019)
Publication Year :
2019
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2019.

Abstract

Extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (ELF-PEMF) therapy is proposed to support bone healing after injuries and surgical procedures, being of special interest for elderly patients. This study aimed at investigating the effect of a specific ELF-PEMF, recently identified to support osteoblast function in vitro, on bone healing after high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Patients who underwent HTO were randomized to ELF-PEMF or placebo treatment, both applied by optically identical external devices 7 min per day for 30 days following surgery. Osseous consolidation was evaluated by post-surgical X-rays (7 and 14 weeks). Serum markers were quantified by ELISA. Data were compared by a two-sided t-test (α = 0.05). Device readouts showed excellent therapy compliance. Baseline parameters, including age, sex, body mass index, wedge height and blood cell count, were comparable between both groups. X-rays revealed faster osseous consolidation for ELF-PEMF compared to placebo treatment, which was significant in patients ≥50 years (∆mean = 0.68%/week; p = 0.003). Findings are supported by post-surgically increased bone-specific alkaline phosphatase serum levels following ELF-PEMF, compared to placebo (∆mean = 2.2 µg/L; p = 0.029) treatment. Adverse device effects were not reported. ELF-PEMF treatment showed a tendency to accelerate osseous consolidation after HTO. This effect was stronger and more significant for patients ≥50 years. This ELF-PEMF treatment might represent a promising adjunct to conventional therapy supporting osseous consolidation in elderly patients. Level of Evidence: I.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20770383
Volume :
8
Issue :
11
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.973be8b54214d95b35bfdefaf849ae4
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8112008