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.
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 language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 22 May 2015 |
Place of Publication | Maastricht |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 9789085900603 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Keywords
- scaphoid fractures
- treatment
- PEMF bone growth stimulation