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Application of pulsed electromagnetic fields after microfractures to the knee: a mid-term study
Leonardo Osti1, Angelo Del Buono, Nicola Maffulli
1Unit of Arthroscopy and Sports Trauma Surgery, Hesperia Hospital, Via Arquà 80/b, Modena, Italy, leonardoosti@yahoo.com.
International Orthopaedics
|April 16, 2015
Summary
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) improved microfracture outcomes long-term. While initial results were similar, PEMFs showed better sustained clinical and functional improvements at five years post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Cartilage lesions (grade III-IV) often require surgical intervention, such as microfracture.
- Post-surgical outcomes can decline over time, necessitating strategies for long-term joint health.
- Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are being investigated for their potential to enhance tissue repair and clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in patients undergoing microfracture surgery.
- To determine if PEMFs can prevent the decline in clinical outcomes typically observed after microfracture procedures.
- To compare the clinical and functional results between patients treated with PEMFs and those receiving a placebo.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 68 patients who underwent partial medial meniscectomy and microfractures.
- Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving PEMFs (I-ONE group) and a control group receiving placebo treatment.
- Clinical outcomes (IKDC, Lysholm, Constant scores) and radiographic assessments were evaluated at two and five years post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant improvement from baseline at the two-year follow-up, with no inter-group differences.
- At the minimum five-year follow-up, clinical and functional outcomes decreased in both groups, but were significantly better in the PEMFs group.
- A higher percentage of patients in the PEMFs group remained active at their pre-operative level at five years; radiographic degenerative changes were similar between groups.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) application can enhance the long-term effectiveness of microfracture surgery.
- PEMFs may play a role in preserving clinical and functional outcomes in the years following cartilage repair procedures.
- The study suggests PEMFs could be a valuable adjunct therapy for improving sustained recovery after microfracture.
