The Role Of Electrical Stimulation In Fracture Healing

Abstract

Introduction: Current methods of fracture care use various adjuncts to decrease time of fracture union, improve fracture healing, and enhance functional recovery. Electrical stimulation (ES), one of such modalities, has shown positive results in management of both fracture and soft tissue injuries. Material & MethodsA search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and Embase databases was performed using the following keywordsElectrical stimulationandfracture healing �. 30 studies detailing the use of ES in fracture and soft tissue healing were identified, and their bibliographies thoroughly reviewed to identify further related articles. This review identified and summarized 30 studies which demonstrated the use of ES in fracture healing.In this review, preclinical, animal and human studies were separately reviewed to thoroughly understand the evolving role of ES in fracture healing process. This review also examines studies on signal transduction at the membrane level and on stimulation of growth factor synthesis.Exclusion Criteria: Studies not in English language, review articles, case reports, letter to editors and results published as abstracts only were excluded from this study. Conclusions: Currently most fractures affected by delayed union and non-union are treated with surgical fixation with or without bone graft. ES is an alternative, less invasive form of treatment which has shown great potential in management of these complicated fractures. Various human randomised clinical and animal studies have shown ES to improve fracture healing time. The complexity of the mechanisms by which ES produces its effect has also been studied by in-vitro studies. In the future, ES will play a significant role in the management of large scale bone