Effects of electromagnetic fields on bone regeneration in experimental and clinical studies: a review of the literature.

Author: Cheng ZHONG ¹ ; Teng-Fei ZHAO ; Zheng-Jian XU ; Rong-Xin HE
Author Information

1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.
Publication Type:Journal Article
MeSH: Animals; Bone Regeneration; physiology; Electromagnetic Fields; Humans
From: Chinese Medical Journal 2012;125(2):367-372
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo assess the experimental and clinical data regarding the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on fracture non-union.
DATA SOURCESThe English language literature regarding EMFs on fracture non-union were searched using MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase, for the period January 2006 to June 2011. The search terms were electromagnetic fields and non-union/bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs)/bone.
STUDY SELECTIONArticles were included in the review if they were related to the use of EMFs on BMSCs or bone tissue. Papers without full manuscripts available were excluded.
RESULTSThe basic and clinical research in this field, while somewhat limited, supports the insightful application of EMFs to ameliorate disability due to fracture non-union.
CONCLUSIONSFurther basic and clinical research to validate the use of EMFs in facilitating function and bone reparative processes in fracture non-union is required.