How Our Bone Simulators Work
Fracture Healing and Spinal Fusion Therapy in Bone Growth Stimulators
Fracture healing is a complicated metabolic process and is dependent on many factors. Healing fractures may be delayed or impaired if these factors are inadequate or interrupted. Most fractures heal without any complications. However, some patients develop nonunions and/or delayed unions, and are not healing on their own.
There are various ways to deal with nonunion, including surgery, internal or external fixation, bone grafting, or the use of biologic bone substitutes. The least invasive and only non-surgical option is a durable medical equipment device called a bone growth stimulator. The most commonly used bone stimulation devices send more energy to the healing bone surface through either pulsed electromagnetic or ultrasound waves, which helps the bone heal more quickly.
What is a Bone Stimulator Used For?
Bone growth stimulator devices are used as a non-surgical treatment option to assist in healing bone fractures throughout the body. The most common scenarios in which bone stimulators are prescribed are when a patient presents with a slow healing, nonunion fracture that might have included surgery to repair. When a patient is identified with a bone healing issue, bone stimulator devices may be prescribed.
How Does a PEMF Bone Stimulator Work
Orthofix Bone Growth Therapy devices create a low-level pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), which helps activate the body’s natural healing process.
How Does a LIPUS Bone Stimulator Work
The Orthofix AccelStim™ devices creates a low-intensity ultrasound wave (LIPUS). LIPUS is a form of mechanical energy transmitted to the fracture site producing high-frequency pressure waves to promote bone formation.