The Use of Pulsing Electromagnetic Fields in Posterolateral Lumbosacral Spinal Fusion

Abstract

The effect of pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation was investigated in patients who received a spinal fusion. Fifteen patients who underwent at-risk lumbosacral spinal fusion were stimulated 2 months starting within 6 days of the surgical procedure. At 4 months, 14 patients showed healing of the fusion (1 patient died in an accident unrelated to the study): In 8 patients fusion was hypertrophic. Five other patients with failed posterolateral lumbosacral fusion were treated with PEMF in order to avoid further surgery: All patients healed (stimulation lasted an average of 4.4 months). When compared with our previous experience, the healing rate in both groups of patients was significantly higher than expected. These observations suggest that PEMFs are useful adjunctive treatment in the management of at-risk spinal fusions and are a useful technique to promote healing in the case of failed spinal fusions.