Treatment of Infected Pseudarthrosis of the Inferior Limb with Low-Frequency Pulsing Electromagnetic Fields: Report of 16 Cases

Abstract

We report our experience in the treatment of infected pseudarthrosis of the inferior limb with pulsing electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in 16 patients. The problems arising from the treatment of the infected pseudarthrosis, in which skin lesion, bone non-union and draining infection must be faced at the same time, will be discussed. Twelve patients healed in an average stimulation time of 5.6 months. The results of PEMFs stimulation were satisfactory because of the high percentage of success (75%), and the fact that a surgical operation was avoided in most of the patients. In the failed patients, PEMF stimulation had a positive effect on the local conditions of the pseudarthroses.