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Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Bone Growth Stimulation Improves Union Outcomes in Type II Odontoid Fractures: Insights
Alejandro Enriquez-Marulanda1,2, Naveen Arunachalam Sakthiyendran1,2, Jimena Gonzalez-Salido1
1Division of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 110 Francis St. Suite 3B, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
Spine
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Pulsed electromagnetic field bone growth stimulation (Bone-Stim) improved fracture union rates in Type II odontoid fractures (TTOFs) without increasing adverse events. This noninvasive adjunct shows promise for enhancing healing in elderly patients with these common neck fractures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Type II odontoid fractures (TTOFs) are prevalent in elderly individuals.
- Surgical fixation offers high union rates but involves surgical risks.
- External immobilization has variable union rates and avoids surgical risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare radiographic and clinical outcomes of TTOF patients treated with and without adjunct Bone-Stim.
- To evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive bone growth stimulation in TTOF management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multicenter cohort study of adult patients with TTOFs (2014-2024).
- Exclusion criteria included pathologic fractures, prior C1-2 union, and lack of post-index imaging.
- Propensity-score matching was used to balance patient characteristics.
Main Results:
- Adjunct Bone-Stim was associated with significantly higher radiographic union rates (68.4% vs. 13% in matched cohort).
- No significant differences were observed in pain, modified Rankin Scale scores, complications, or mortality.
- Delayed conversion to surgery occurred only in patients not receiving Bone-Stim.
Conclusions:
- Adjunct Bone-Stim demonstrates potential for improving radiographic union in TTOFs without compromising patient symptoms or safety.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to validate efficacy and optimize treatment protocols.
