The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields on flexor tendon healing in the rabbit

A double-blind controlled trial of the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on flexor tendon healing in adult New Zealand White rabbits was performed. A pulse burst waveform, previously demonstrated to influence new vessel growth in the rabbit, was employed. No significant effect was observed on either the healed strength of the tendon repair or the adhesion formation between the repair and the surrounding tissues. The model used for examination of adhesion formation was reproducible and is recommended for further work on the adhesion formation of healing tendons.