Translational Insights into Extremely Low Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-PEMFs) for Bone Regeneration after Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery.


Author: Ehnert S1, Schröter S1, Aspera-Werz RH1, Eisler W1, Falldorf K2, Ronniger M2, Nussler AK1

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Siegfried Weller Institute for Trauma Research, Depterment of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tübingen, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.

<sup>2</sup>Sachtleben GmbH, Hamburg, Haus Spectrum am UKE, Martinistraße 64, D-20251 Hamburg, Germany.
Conference/Journal: J Clin Med.
Date published: 2019 Nov 20
Other:
 Volume ID: 8   ,  Issue ID: 12   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/jcm8122028.   ,  Word Count: 224  
    The finding that alterations in electrical potential play an important role in the mechanical stimulation of the bone provoked hype that noninvasive extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMF) can be used to support healing of bone and osteochondral defects. This resulted in the development of many ELF-PEMF devices for clinical use. Due to the resulting diversity of the ELF-PEMF characteristics regarding treatment regimen, and reported results, exposure to ELF-PEMFs is generally not among the guidelines to treat bone and osteochondral defects. Notwithstanding, here we show that there is strong evidence for ELF-PEMF treatment. We give a short, confined overview of in vitro studies investigating effects of ELF-PEMF treatment on bone cells, highlighting likely mechanisms. Subsequently, we summarize prospective and blinded studies, investigating the effect of ELF-PEMF treatment on acute bone fractures and bone fracture non-unions, osteotomies, spinal fusion, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. Although these studies favor the use of ELF-PEMF treatment, they likewise demonstrate the need for more defined and better controlled/monitored treatment modalities. However, to establish indication-oriented treatment regimen, profound knowledge of the underlying mechanisms in the sense of cellular pathways/events triggered is required, highlighting the need for more systematic studies to unravel optimal treatment conditions.



KEYWORDS: bone cells; bone mineral density; extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMF), bone regeneration; fracture healing; osteoarthritis; osteoporosis; pain; spinal fusion



PMID: 31756999  DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122028