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Published on: July 15, 2009
Implantable direct-current bone stimulators in high-risk and revision foot and ankle surgery: a retrospective
Johnny T C Lau1, Emmanouil D Stamatis, Mark S Myerson
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Abstract:
Efficacy and morbidity of a surgically implanted direct-current bone stimulator were evaluated in 38 patients (40 feet) with fracture nonunion or at high risk for nonunion; 14 of these patients had Charcot (diabetic) neuroarthropathy. Union occurred in 26 (65%) of the 40 feet; complications other than nonunion occurred in 16 feet (40%). Two amputations (5%) were performed in cases of intractable neuritis and deep infection. Of the 6 cases of deep infection (15%), 5 resolved with device removal, and the sixth case required below-knee amputation. Use of a bone stimulator in patients with diabetes may be problematic, but the device did not have any adverse effects in other high-risk patients.