Effect of Electromagnetic Stimulation on Patients Suffering from Non-Union. A Retrospective Study with a Control Group

In this study we have reviewed a group of patients suffering from non-union treated at the same hospitals by the same surgeons. Twenty six patients (control group) received an orthopaedic treatment aimed at promoting bone healing, fourty one patients (experimental group) were stimulated with an electromagnetic field generator without any further change in the orthopaedic management of the non-union. Eighteen patients healed in the control group and thirty six in the experimental group. The average healing time was shorter among patients stimulated. No difference was observed in the success rate between the 2 groups of patients for non infected non-unions. Infection proved to be detrimental for the success of the treatment in the control group, while it did not negatively influence the outcome of stimulation. Provided that the orthopaedic treatment of the non-union is considered satisfactory, electromagnetic stimulation is a valid option in the treatment of non-unions.