Treatment of nonunion using pulsed electromagnetic fields: a retrospective follow-up study.
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are a useful means of treating cases of fracture nonunion. In 67.7% of nonunions with a disability time of at least 24 months, complete consolidation was obtained. This success rate is increased to 76.6% if we exclude nonunion, that presented contraindications for treatment with PEMF. The disability time had no effect on the success rate. Lesions of the humerus and atrophic nonunion had an unfavorable prognosis.
Meskens
M W
MW
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital, Pellenberg, Belgium.
Stuyck
J A
JA
Feys
H
H
Mulier
J C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors