[Effects of electric and electromagnetic fields on cell differentiation and application in orthopedic and trauma...

The discovery of the dynamic electrical properties of bone is at the origin of the therapeutical application of the electromagnetic fields in Orthopaedics and Traumatology. The first empirical treatment of non-union, fresh fractures and osteonecroses allowed the observation of several effects which, without justifying a systematic clinical application, encouraged further fundamental research. The results of this work realized during 35 years are summarized in the present article. After exposure to specific electromagnetic fields, we observed a modification of the DNA activity and an increased production of RNA. During enchondral ossification, the amount of acid GAGS increased faster and the ossification of the primary ossification point is accelerated. On fresh fractures, the rigidity of the callus increased faster. Finally, the microarrays analyses show an upregulation of mRNA involved in cellular differentiation and proliferation. The mRNA responsible of the production of BMP-2 is significantly increased, explaining the main results observed after the expense of experimental models of the bond tissues. All the observed results are in favour of an acceleration of the cellular differentiation at the expense of the proliferation.