Information for Medical Professionals

Electromagnetic pulses 'decreases pain in osteoarthritis sufferers'

New research into the benefits of electromagnetic pulses on the pain levels experienced by osteoarthritis sufferers has shown that 40 per cent subjected to the treatment reported benefits.

Presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, the study, which was led by Fred Nelson looked at 34 patients who used a battery-operated electromagnetic device to manage their osteoarthritic pain.

The device, which emits a low-intensity, pulsating, electromagnetic frequency was deemed effective at promoting pain relief by 40 per cent of people within the first day of its use.

"Our results show pulsed electromagnetic fields caused a significant decrease in pain," Nelson stated.

Nelson added that, in a laboratory setting, electromagnetic signals have been shown to reduce calcium build-up in cartilage cells, which can lead to reduced inflammation.

However, a recent Cochrane systematic review of studies into electro-stimulation techniques for the treatment of pain in knee osteoarthritis patients showed that the comprehensive amount of research into the procedures benefits was inconclusive.

---

<< Back

News provided by Adfero in collaboration with Biomet. Please note that all copy is (c) Adfero Ltd and does not reflect the views or opinions of Biomet unless explicitly stated.