Development of a device for Local Vibration application in non union fractures

Vibrations are shown to be a powerful activation stimulus for the whole neuromuscular and skeletal system. As a result, vibrations have been accepted in the treatment of specific clinical pathologies and in rehabilitation. In this study the attention was focused on the application of Local Vibrations (LV) in delayed union and non union fractures. The Medical Engineering Service and the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit of the Tor Vergata University in Rome designed and produced a device dedicated to LV application for bone regeneration and muscle strengthening. The prototype was tested in order to determine and verify the produced vibrations by means of an electromyography. To assess the efficacy in delayed union and non union fractures the developed device was used in a therapeutic exercise vibration practice. Four outpatients suffering from non union fractures were recruited and treated with this device for a period of 30 days. The results of the radiological images obtained in the clinical protocol performed, leads us to assert that vibrations applied with the prototype contribute significantly to non-union fracture treatment.