Abstract
Electrical stimulation techniques are utilised in orthopedics field for the treatment of pseudoarthroses; the more widespread methods are the inductive system with Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs). We report the results of a retrospective study, between February 1987 to February 2002, of 57 patients with pseudoarthroses of tibia (22 treated with PEMFs against 35 without this treatment). The objectives of the study have been to know the influence, the consolidation percentage and the influence of electrical simulation.
The average age was 38 years (14–89); the average follow-up 3,2 years. 17 fractures were open and 40 fractures were closed. All the fractures were affect the tibia shaft, in 19 cases extended to the articulation. For the admission to the study had not united after at less 6 month. All the patients were treated with surgery to the pseudoarthroses (looking nail in 54 cases, fixation extern in 2 cases and osteotomy to fibula in one case). Statistical analysis utilised was the SPSS program.
The results were statistically significantly (p< 0,05) in:
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The consolidation with the PEMFs increase compared without this method (91% vs 83%).
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The average time to consolidation decrease with the use to electrical stimulation compared to the patients treated without this treatment.
Experience supports its role as a successful method of treatment for ununited fractures of the tibia.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
