Bone Growth Stimulation

Definition

Bone growth stimulation is the technique of promoting bone growth in difficult to heal fractures by applying a low electrical current or ultrasound to the fracture.

Purpose

Bone growth stimulation is done when satisfactory healing is not occurring naturally or when the pace of healing is too slow. This condition is called fracture nonunion, and it occurs more frequently among adults than children, in people with severe or complex fractures, and in people who smoke.

The theory behind applying an electric current to fractures to stimulate healing is based on the fact that the concave side of the bone becomes negatively charged and the convex side is positively charged. It is believed that artificially encouraging this charging with an electric current will speed healing. In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved the application of low intensity ultrasound pulses as a treatment for fracture nonunion.

Ultrasound and electromagnetic stimulation are expensive and are used only when healing problems exist for a substantial length of time. Each method must be used for at least three to six months to be effective.

Precautions

Bone growth stimulation cannot be used if the gap between the ends of the fracture is too large.

Description

Electric stimulation can be applied either from the inside of the body (invasively) or from the outside the body (noninvasively). Ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure. The type of stimulation selected depends on the doctor's preference, the type and location of the fracture, and the patient's motivation to comply with the treatment schedule. Treatment can take anywhere from three to six months.

Invasive stimulators

Invasive electric stimulators are either fully or partially implantable. The advantage of these devices is that they apply a direct electric current to the fracture 24 hours a day. The fully implantable stimulator requires little daily attention from the patient. Patients using a semi-implanted stimulator must regulate their own treatment schedule and have to care for the external power pack. The disadvantage of implantable and semi-implantable stimulators is that their implantation is a surgical procedure.

Fully implantable direct current stimulators are installed in a hospital under general or regional anesthesia. Both the stimulator and the power source are implanted. The surgeon makes an incision and places a spiral shaped cathode inside the bone. A wire leads to the power source and a small anode. The power source is a battery pack that is implanted in the nearby muscle. The body transmits electrical current to close the circuit. The incision is then closed. Once in place, the device provides continuous direct electric current for bone growth stimulation.

Partially implanted stimulators use cathode pins that are implanted at the edge of each bone that is fractured. Wires lead to the surface of the skin where a power source and the anode are located. Wires complete the circuit. The external portion of the device is held in place by a cast. This source of stimulation also runs continuously.

Noninvasive stimulators

In the noninvasive stimulator, external electromagnetic coils are placed on either side of the fracture and are held in place by a strap or cuff. Locating the coils correctly is important, and their location relative to the fracture is usually confirmed by x rays.

The coils produce a pulsating electromagnetic field. It is up to the patient to maintain the prescribed treatment schedule. Effective treatment requires stimulation anywhere from three to ten hours each day in periods of no less than one hour.

Ultrasound stimulation is the most recent treatment for stimulating bone growth. A device that generates low intensity pulses of sound is applied to the skin over the fracture. The advantage of this technique is that it is non-invasive and the period of application of the sound pulses can be as short as 20-30 minutes each day. The results of this treatment have been studied less than the effect of electromagnetic stimulation.

Preparation

Bone growth stimulation is done only when healing has failed to occur for many months. Before it is started, x rays are done of the fracture area. If the device is to be implanted, standard preoperative blood and urine tests are done. The patient may meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss any conditions that might affect the administration of anesthesia.

Aftercare

If a noninvasive, pulsating, electromagnetic field device is used, the patient must not put any stress or weight on the fracture until it is healed, which is a matter of months in most cases. In all lower limb fractures, regardless of the stimulation method used, the patient can not bear weight on the limb with the fracture until healing is complete. This limits the patient's mobility for many months. Patients have the responsibility for regularly making sure that the unit works and caring for external devices and the casts that hold them in place.

Risks

Noninvasive devices have few risks associated with them. The main risk associated with implantable devices is the development of infection at the site of implantation.

Normal results

Success in healing a fracture nonunion using bone growth stimulation depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture and the age and general health of the patient.

PERIODICALS

Mayo Clinic. "Fractures - Treatment Methods are Tailored to the Break." Mayo Clinic Health Letter 14, no. 4 (Apr.1996):1-3.

Tish Davidson