Clinical evaluation of pulsed electromagnetic field treatment for acute scaphoid fractures

    Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

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    Abstract

    Scaphoid fractures are relatively frequently occurring fractures among young, active people. Failing treatment or treatment initiated too late may lead to serious health related, economic or social problems. This dissertation describes the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) bone growth stimulation on healing of acute scaphoid fractures. The aim of our study was to determine whether treatment with PEMF bone growth stimulation was better than current plaster treatment.
    In conclusion, the use of PEMF bone growth stimulation was found to have no significant benefit and is therefore not recommended as it is more expensive than standard conservative treatment. However, the observed positive effects of PEMF bone growth stimulation on healing time of a subgroup of stable, non-displaced scaphoid fractures show the need to further conduct goal-oriented research into the effect of PEMF bone growth stimulation on the healing process of acute fractures.
    Original languageEnglish
    QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
    Awarding Institution
    • Maastricht University
    Supervisors/Advisors
    • Brink, Peter, Supervisor
    • Poeze, Martijn, Co-Supervisor, External person
    Award date22 May 2015
    Place of PublicationMaastricht
    Publisher
    Print ISBNs9789085900603
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2015

    Keywords

    • scaphoid fractures
    • treatment
    • PEMF bone growth stimulation

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