Orthopedic & Muscular System: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

The Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Stimulation in Percutaneous Surgery for Hallux valgus and Metatarsalgia

Marco Breccia, Barbara Rossi, Andrea Farneti, Stefania Setti and Stefano Ferranti

Objective: To evaluate the effect of PEMFs on bone and soft tissues healing time after percutaneous osteotomies for hallux valgus and metatarsalgia in terms of bone union rate, edema resorption and pain relief. Methods: Sixty patients percutaneously treated for hallux valgus and metatarsalgia were divided into a treated group when stimulated with PEMFs and a control group of untreated patients. At baseline and during follow-up, pain, edema, use of analgesics were evaluated. Radiographic follow-up was also performed. Results: The early use of PEMFs gained pain relief, edema reduction and functional recovering in a shorter time course with no complications when compared with the untreated group. The VAS score in the treated group decreased significantly from 8.6 (range, 4-7) before treatment to 2.5 (range, 0-3.8) at the last follow-up. The mean AOFAS score improved from 30.4 (range, 20-66) before treatment to 95 (range, 82-100) at the last follow-up. Pain and edema were constantly lower at 45, 90 and 180 days. Conclusion: Treatment with PEMFs is demanding because it requires an external device and long-lasting daily stimulation. However, the early application of PEMFs would be beneficial to selected patients with high activity levels by reducing the suffering time after surgery. Accelerated postoperative rehabilitation due to positive PEMFs effects could be more effective.

Published Date: 2019-06-01; Received Date: 2019-04-01