Some effects of weak direct current and silver ions on experimental osteomyelitis and their clinical application

The effects of a weak direct current and of silver ions on experimental osteomyelitis were studied. Electrical stimulation with stainless electrodes aggravates the osteomyelitis, especially at the positive electrode. But electrically generated silver ions inhibit the growth of bacteria not only in vitro but also in vivo, and electrical callus formation occurs on infected bone. A clinical study was undertaken based on these findings. We obtained a success rate of 12 out of 14 based on the total number of cases, of which eight had a previous history of known or suspected infection, and this method proved to be an effective means of treating infected non-union.