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Heterotopic Ossification

Pulse Low Intensity Electromagnetic Field Therapy

PLIMF therapy uses magnetic fields to increase oxygen levels and decrease toxic by-products of inflammation by increasing local blood flow (Durovic et al. 2009).

Author Year; Country
Research Design
Score
Total Sample Size		 Methods Results
Durovic et al. 2009; Italy
RCT
PEDro=6
N=29

Population: Age range: 18-45 yr.
Treatment: Patients were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Treatment group received 30 min pulse low intensity electromagnetic field therapy (PLIMF) therapy (25 Hz, 10 mT) for 4 wk, approximately 7 wk post SCI.
Outcome measures: Incidence of HO, Brooker classification.
  1. Significant differences were found in the incidence of HO between the treatment and control groups.
  2. 33% of individuals in the control group had incidence of HO; 0 cases of HO in the treatment group.
  3. Among control groups individuals with HO post intervention, 2 progressed grade 1, 2 to grade 2, and 1 to grade 3 on the Brooker classification.
  4. Significant differences were found in the incidence of HO between the treatment and control group (p<0.04).

Discussion

Durovic et al. (2009) randomly assigned 29 SCI patients to a control group or treatment group. Both received range of motion and exercise therapy; however, only the treatment group received PLIMF therapy an average of seven weeks post injury for four weeks. The study showed no incidence of HO in the treatment group yet a 33% incidence in the control group (p<0.04).

Conclusion

There is Level 1b evidence (from one RCT: Durovic et al. 2009) that Pulse Low Intensity Electromagnetic Field therapy is an effective prophylaxis of HO post SCI.

Pulse low intensity electromagnetic field therapy is effective in preventing heterotopic ossification post spinal cord injury.

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