PAST LETTERS FROM THE PRESIDENT
C.
Ruggero, M. Leo, and S. Stefania
Research and Development, Via Parmenide 10A, Igea, Carpi (MO) 41012 Italy.
cadossi@igea.it, stefani.setti@igea.it; Dept. of Clinical Orthopaedic
of University of Ferrara, Via della Giovecca, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. Ph.
+39 0532 236573, fax +39 0532 209250. msl@unife.it
Introduction: The biological basis of biophysical stimulation with pulsed electro-magnetic fields (PEMFs) induced in the bone tissue for treatment of AVN are becoming increasingly clear and was investigated.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 66 patients were treated with PEMFs. Mean duration of treatment was 5 ± 2 months. The patients were periodically checked after therapy had ended with a mean follow-up of 28 months.
Results: At final follow-up, progression of the AVN required surgery in 15 patients (20%). In the majority of the patients at 30 to 60 days from the beginning of stimulation, a considerable improvement was observed in the pain symptoms (pain was absent in 54% of cases, moderate in 26%, still intense in 20%). Hip joint function was normal in 46% of cases, sufficient in 39%, and insufficient in 15%. We observed that the earlier lesions respond well to treatment with PEMFs which are capable of preventing the progression of the disease in Ficat II. Ficat stage III does not constitute a real indication for this treatment.
Discussion: The treatment with PEMFs represents a therapy of choice in the first stages of AVN. The immediate use of stimulation represents a new and important therapeutic opportunity that can resolve this disease.