title: Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation on distraction osteogenesis in the rabbit tibial leg lengthening model.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure to pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) would shorten the healing time of regenerate bone in a rabbit tibial distraction model. Beginning 1 day after surgery, mid-shaft tibial osteotomies, stabilized with external fixators, were distracted 0.25 mm twice daily for 21 days and received either no exposure (sham control) or 1 hour per day exposure to low-amplitude, low-frequency PEMF. Tibiae were tested for torsional strength after 9, 16, and 23 days post-distraction. PEMF-treated tibiae were significantly stronger than shams at all three time points. By 16 days post-distraction, the PEMF group had achieved biomechanical strength essentially equivalent to intact bone. Shams did not achieve normal biomechanical strength even after 23 days post-distraction. In this tibial distraction model, short daily PEMF exposures accelerated consolidation of regenerate bone. Clinical usefulness awaits testing.
authors.affiliation: Bone Healing Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. douglas-fredericks@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: Douglas C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Fredericks
authors.forename: Debra J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Piehl
authors.forename: Joy T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abbott
authors.forename: James V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Nepola
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001861:Bone Regeneration; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D008297:Male; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D011817:Rabbits; D011859:Radiography; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*