Bone fractures are a common occurrence in Hamilton, and they can lead to significant pain and disability. Although most fractures can heal on their own with appropriate treatment, some patients may experience a delay in the healing process or a complete lack of healing. In these cases, Bone Growth Stimulator in Hamilton can be a valuable tool to help promote bone healing and speed up the recovery process. In this article, we will explore the use of bone growth stimulators in Hamilton, how they work, their effectiveness, and the types of patients who may enjoy this technology.
What is a Bone Growth Stimulator?
A bone growth stimulator is a medical device that uses electrical or electromagnetic signals to promote bone healing. The device is typically worn externally and can be placed over the fracture site or surgical incision. The electrical or electromagnetic signals produced by the device help to stimulate bone cells, promote blood flow to the site, and encourage the production of new bone tissue.
There are two main types of bone growth stimulators: electrical and electromagnetic. Electrical Bone Growth Stimulator in Hamilton use low-level electrical currents to stimulate bone growth. These currents are delivered through electrodes placed on the skin over the fracture site. Electromagnetic bone growth stimulators, but, use low-intensity pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to stimulate bone growth. The electromagnetic signals are delivered through a coil that is placed over the fracture site.
How Does a Bone Growth Stimulator Work?
The exact mechanisms by which bone growth stimulators promote bone healing are not fully understood. But, it is believed that the electrical or electromagnetic signals produced by the device help to stimulate the production of bone cells and increase blood flow to the site. The increased blood flow helps to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the area, which is crucial for bone healing. The electrical or electromagnetic signals may also help to reduce inflammation and pain at the site.
Effectiveness of Bone Growth Stimulators
The effectiveness of bone growth stimulators varies depending on the type of fracture, the patient’s age and health, and other factors. But, many studies have shown that bone growth stimulators can be effective in promoting bone healing and reducing healing time.
A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that bone growth stimulators were effective in promoting fracture healing in patients with non-union fractures. The study found that patients who received bone growth stimulators had a significantly higher rate of fracture healing compared to those who did not receive the treatment.
Another study published in the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma found that patients who received electrical bone growth stimulation following surgery for ankle fractures had a significantly higher rate of bone healing compared to those who did not receive the treatment. The study found that the bone growth stimulator group had a healing rate of 91%, compared to 76% in the control group.
Types of Patients Who May Enjoy Bone Growth Stimulators
Bone growth stimulators can be used in a variety of patients, including those with non-union fractures, delayed healing fractures, and spinal fusions. Patients who have failed to heal with traditional treatments such as immobilization, cast or brace, or surgery may enjoy bone growth stimulators. The device may also be used in patients who are at high risk of delayed healing, such as smokers or those with diabetes.
Bone growth stimulators are typically used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery, immobilization, or physical therapy. The device is usually worn for several hours a day, and treatment may last several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the fracture and the patient’s health.
There are four main types of bone growth stimulators:
Electrical bone growth stimulators: These use low-level electrical currents to stimulate bone growth. They are typically worn externally and deliver electrical signals through electrodes placed on the skin over the fracture site.
Electromagnetic bone growth stimulators: These use low-intensity pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to stimulate bone growth. They are also typically worn externally and deliver electromagnetic signals through a coil that is placed over the fracture site.
Ultrasound bone growth stimulators: These use high-frequency sound waves to stimulate bone growth. They are also typically worn externally and deliver the ultrasound signals through a transducer that is placed over the fracture site.
Implantable bone growth stimulators: These are surgically implanted devices that can be placed directly on or within the bone to stimulate bone growth. They are typically used in more severe cases and may be recommended when other treatments have failed.
