Biochemical changes following electro-acupuncture and static magnetic field therapy in rabbits for bone defect healing

Girraj Shakya,Reihii John,H P Aithal,Mahendra Baghel,M M S Zama

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2014.83-86

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Electro-Acupuncture (EA) and Static Magnetic Field (SMF) therapy on healing of bone defect in rabbits. Materials and Methods A 2 mm bone defect was created at radial midshaft of 18 New Zealand White rabbits. The animals were then randomly divided into 3 equal groups. The animals in the group A did not receive any physiotherapy and served as control. Group B animals were treated with the EA using 50 Hz and 3-10 mA DD current for 10 min. Group C animals were treated with SMF therapy on alternate days till day 15. Activity of serum calcium (Ca), potassium (P) and ALP; Plasma Cortisol and LPO were evaluated preoperatively and on days 7, 15, 30 and 60 of experiment. Results: Postoperatively, SMF therapy treated animals exhibited higher Ca, P and ALP level and low initial level of Cortisol and LPO as compared to EA and control group animal. Conclusion: SMF and EA had positive effect on bone defect healing and early resolution of stress, induced due to creation of bone defect, however SMF had an edge over EA.

Highlights

A variety of biological, mechanical and physical interventions have been developed to enhance healing of fractures
static magnetic field (SMF) and Electro acupuncture (EA) had positive effect on bone defect healing and early resolution of stress, induced due to creation of bone defect, SMF had an edge over EA
Serum calcium: In groups A and C, a non-significant decrease (P>0.05) in serum calcium was recorded up to the 7th day, and thereafter the values increased nonsignificantly till the end of the study period (Table-1), this was probably due to increased intestinal absorption [13]

Summary

Introduction

A variety of biological, mechanical and physical interventions have been developed to enhance healing of fractures. Pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMF) has been used to treat various conditions such as inflammation, osteoarthritis, soft-tissue injuries, chronic pelvic pain and tendonitis. PMF therapy has been reported to be useful for nerve regeneration, healing of osseous defects, bone grafts and fractures, prevention of osteoporosis [1] and increased mineralization [2]. Animal experiments have shown that long-term local static magnetic field (SMF) stimulation increases bone strength [3] and bone healing process [4]. SMF has been shown to have a stimulatory effect on regional blood flow to the extremities [1], enhances osteoblastic maturation by up-regulating local factors [5], reduces inflammation by constricting capillaries [6] and reduces the pain perception due to removal of the toxic byproduct of inflammation such as bradykinins and prostaglandin [7].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion