Stimulation of bone healing with interferential therapy

Methods of electrical stimulation of bone are reviewed for a comparison with the use of interference currents and for a consideration of the possible merits of various methods. A summary is given of results of treatment of 38 patients with delayed or non-union and predisposition to non-union, and the technique used with Interferential Therapy is described in detail. Results are also given of a study of the effects of stimulation on 11 patients with acute fractures of the tibial shaft, compared with 11 closely matched patients with similar acute fractures who did not receive Interferential Therapy. The advantages of surgically non-invasive techniques are emphasised and recommendations are made for the use of interference currents prophylactically in specific cases.