Bone growth stimulators use either electromagnetic or ultrasound to stimulate growth of fresh healthy tissue. This therapy is mainly used in patients who are failing to heal from fractures managed with conventional casting or internal fixation. Patients who smoke, have a history of alcoholism or are suffering with lupus, diabetes or other autoimmune disorders, are considered prime candidates for this therapy.

A bone growth stimulator can be surgically implanted (an invasive bone growth stimulator) or be non-invasive (applied to the skin over the fracture). When a stimulator is surgically implanted a direct current is applied to the fracture site 24 hours a day. The implantation is typically done at the time of a surgery to stabilize the fracture. Once the fracture has healed, the bone growth stimulation device is surgically removed.

There are two types of noninvasive bone growth stimulators – ultrasound or electrical current. The most common noninvasive stimulator is composed of external coils placed on either side of the fracture and held in position by a strap or cuff. The device is used to stimulate the fractured area anywhere from three to 10 hours each day for at least one hour at a time. It can be used through a “window” cut into a cast, under an orthopedic brace or under clothing.

How They Work -

The theory behind applying an electric current to fractures to stimulate healing is based on the fact that the concave side of the bone becomes negatively charged and the convex side is positively charged. It is believed that artificially encouraging this charge with an electric current will speed healing. The current provided to the fracture site with bone growth stimulation treatments effect the growth of blood vessels at the fracture site as well as affecting the activity of osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells that a form a fibrocartilage bridge across the fracture site. By encouraging this fibrocartilage to turn to bone, a bone growth stimulator quickly rebuilds your bone at the point of fracture.