Effect of the Magnetic Field Component of the Kraus-Lechner Method on the Healing of Experimental Nonunions in Dogs

The method of treatment of nonunions in man described by Kraus (3,4) and Lechner (5) consists of two components: 1. an alternating magnetic field and 2. an alternating voltage that is induced in an implanted coil by the magnetic field. According to Kraus (4), the magnetic field alone promotes bone healing by way of accelerated blood vessel development and bone remodeling. He has maintained that these positive effects are more apparent in magnetically stimulated bones than in control bones or in electrically stimulated bones. The goal of this animal experiment is to examine the effect of pure magnetic fields on vascularization and bone formation in nonunions.