Hip Problems Studied With PEMF Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Fields Therapy
This double-blind study examined the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on loosened hip prostheses. Results showed an increase of bone density in all patients receiving PEMF treatment compared to only 60 percent of controls. The authors argue such findings suggest PEMF elicits early bone reconstruction, which enhances early weight bearing.
G. Gualtieri, et al., “The Effect Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation on Patients Treated of Hip
Revisions with Trans-Femoral Approach,” Second World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, 8-13 June 1997, Bologna, Italy.
This study examined the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (50 Hz, 50 G) in treating aseptic loosening of total hip prostheses. PEMF therapy consisted of 20 minutes per day for 6 days per week over a total of 20 such sessions and was begun, on average, a year and a half following the start of loosening. Results showed PEMF to have some beneficial effects with respect to loosened hip arthroplasties, although it was not effective in patients suffering severe pain due to extreme loosening.
K. Konrad, “Therapy with Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Aseptic Loosening of Total Hip Protheses: A
Prospective Study,” Clinical Rheumatology, 15(4), 1996, p. 325-328.
