Enhancement of Bone Healing by Static Magnetic Field in the Dog: Biomechanical Study

Abstract

Objective- Although the promotional effects on bone healing of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF)have been well demonstrated, the effects of static magnetic fields (SMF) remained unclear. In this study, effects of SMFs on clinical and biomechanical aspects of bone healing using a canine unstable osteotomy gap model were investigated. Design- Prospective descriptive trial. Animals- Fifteen mongrel dogs, 4 to 5 years old and weighing 15.5 to 21.3 kg. Procedures- After an osteotomy of the midshaft radius, bone healing was evaluated over an 8-week period in control dogs (n = 5) and experimental dogs exposed to medium (700 gauss) (MSMF) and high (1500 gauss) (HSMF) magnetic fields (n = five/each group). Bone healing was assessed clinically and biomechanically. Results- Dogs exposed to HSMF had more improved lameness scores in contrast to the MSMF and control dogs. Significantly, greater forces