The electrical stimulation of tibial osteotomies. Double-blind study

Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1993 Mar:(288):246-53.

Abstract

The effect of electromagnetic field stimulation was investigated in a group of 40 consecutive patients treated with valgus tibial osteotomy for degenerative arthrosis of the knee. All patients were operated on by the same author and followed the same postoperative program. After surgery, patients were randomly assigned to a control group (dummy stimulators) or to a stimulated one (active stimulators). Four orthopedic surgeons, unaware of the experimental conditions, were asked to evaluate the roentgenograms taken 60 days postoperatively and to rate the osteotomy healing according to four categories (the fourth category being the most advanced stage of healing). In the control group, 73.6% of the patients were included in the first and second category. In the stimulated group, 72.2% of the patients were included in the third and fourth category. On a homogeneous group of patients, electromagnetic field stimulation had positive effects on the healing of tibial osteotomies.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Regeneration / radiation effects
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy*
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis / surgery
  • Osteogenesis / radiation effects*
  • Osteotomy*
  • Radiography
  • Tibia / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibia / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / radiation effects*