Therapy with pulsed electromagnetic fields in aseptic loosening of total hip protheses: a prospective study

Clin Rheumatol. 1996 Jul;15(4):325-8. doi: 10.1007/BF02230352.

Abstract

Aseptic loosening is the most common problem of hip arthroplasties, limiting its long term success. We report a study of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment in 24 patients with this complication. At the end of treatment, six months and one year later, pain and hip movements improved significantly with the exception of flexion and extension. There was significant improvement in both isotope scans and ultrasonography, but not in plain X-ray. The decreased pain and improved function suggest that PEMF is effective in improving symptoms of patients with loose hip replacement. No improvement, however, can be expected in patients with severe pain due to gross loosening.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Calcification, Physiologic
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hip Prosthesis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteonecrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteonecrosis / therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate / analogs & derivatives
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • technetium Tc 99m N-(methylamino)methylene diphosphonate
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate