Gathering Evidence to Leverage Musculoskeletal Magnetic Stimulation Towards Clinical Applicability

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopedics
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders cause significant disability, with rising prevalence due to aging populations.
• Current treatments for conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis have limitations.
• Electromagnetic stimulation, particularly inductive coupling (IC), offers a novel therapeutic approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research trends and clinical applicability of IC for musculoskeletal disorders.
• To identify optimal magnetic stimulation parameters for therapeutic efficacy.
• To explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying IC's effects on bone cells.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of 117 in vivo studies (animal models and human patients).
• Analysis of research trends in IC-based therapeutics.
• Exploration of pre-clinical and clinical evidence on IC parameters and outcomes.

Main Results:

• IC has demonstrated potential in accelerating bone healing, managing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and improving implant osseointegration.
• Specific magnetic stimulation parameters that promote osteogenesis are being identified.
• Evidence suggests IC influences osteoblasts and osteoclasts activity.

Conclusions:

• IC is a promising non-invasive technology for musculoskeletal disorders, though not yet a standard treatment.
• Defining optimal IC parameters is crucial for its clinical adoption.
• Further research can guide the development of IC devices for standard therapeutic use.