Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields in orthopedic practice: Bone and cartilage repair

The use of biophysical stimulation, with low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields, to modulate osteogenetic response and favour fracture healing has been the subject of wide-ranging research. Current orthopaedics reviews the different modalities of biophysical treatment in search of solutions most adequate to the pathology, the characteristics of the fracture and those of the patient. It is up to the orthopaedist to assess whether the biomechanical conditions of stability of the fracture site are such as not to jeopardize the osteogenetic process. Moreover, experimental studies on articular cartilage have demonstrated that low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields control inflammation, protect extracellular matrix and favour chondrocytes metabolic activity. The results of two level I clinical study on patients underwent arthroscopic procedures demonstrated that low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields favour patients' recovery both in the short (90 days) and in the long term (3 years). The long term benefit results from biophysical chondroprotection of articular cartilage and from prevention of the fibrotic stimuli exerted by pro-inflammatory cytokines on wound tissue. Biophysical stimulation plays a central role also in regenerative medicine, protecting the repair of tissue from catabolic effects of the inflammatory reaction elicited by the surgical implantation procedure.