[Electrical and electromagnetic stimulation of bone healing]

The presented review analyzes the problem of the effect of electric current and electromagnetic fields on bone healing. The findings of the cited papers indicate that electronegativity, osteoblastic activity and bone formation fall within one group, while electropositivity, osteoclasia and resorption constitute another group. Stimulation is performed surgically by implanted electrodes or by current induction in the bone. Evidence on the effect of direct electric stimulation and pulsed magnetic filds in speeding up the process of bone healing fails to be convincing. However, the beneficial influence of electromagnetotherapy on the healing of soft tissues has been confirmed and is to be ascribed t its antiedematous, analgesic and antiinflammatory effect.