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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.

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