Pulse burst electric fields significantly accelerate bone repair in an animal model

Recently, we reported that an inductively coupled PEMF signal (AME Spinal Stim™) used clinically for fresh spinal fusions, accelerated bone repair in a rabbit fibula osteotomy model. One recurrent discussion surrounding such PEMF bioeffects is whether or not the induced electric field is the primary stimulus, or is the magnetic component necessary. The goal of this study was, therefore, to determine if the magnetic component associated with a clinically effective, PEMF waveform is necessary to affect the rate of bone repair. This was performed by delivery of the Spinal Stim™ waveform current to the repair site either with external coils or with implanted electrodes in a rabbit model. The results showed that bone repair was accelerated by a factor of 1.5 for both coil and electrode delivered current, suggesting that the magnetic field is not necessary for these pulse signals.