Electromagnetic effects on forearm disuse osteopenia: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study
Joseph A Spadaro1, Walter H Short, Paul R Sheehe
1Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA. spadaroj@upstate.edu
Bioelectromagnetics
|April 1, 2011
Summary
Pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy did not prevent bone loss after forearm immobilization. This study found no significant difference in bone mineral density (BMD) between active and sham PEMF treatments in patients with disuse osteopenia.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Disuse osteopenia, a significant loss of bone density, commonly occurs after forearm immobilization due to fractures or surgery.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) continues to decline after cast removal, necessitating effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment in mitigating disuse osteopenia following forearm immobilization.
- To determine optimal dosing and feasibility of PEMF application in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial involving 99 subjects with distal radius fracture or carpal surgery.
- Subjects received active or sham PEMF for 1, 2, or 4 hours/day for 8 weeks post-cast removal.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) and geometry were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at baseline and follow-up visits.
Main Results:
- Significant average BMD loss (5-7% distally, 3-4% shaft) was observed in the affected forearm post-immobilization.
- No statistically significant difference in BMD or bone geometry was found between active PEMF and sham groups, even after adjusting for covariates.
- Biochemical markers showed elevated bone resorption (CTX-1) at baseline, normalizing by 8 weeks, while bone formation (BSAP) remained normal.
Conclusions:
- The specific PEMF waveform and durations tested did not effectively counteract the substantial bone loss associated with forearm disuse osteopenia.
- Further research may be needed to explore different PEMF parameters or alternative therapeutic strategies for disuse-induced bone loss.
