K. Konrad et al., THERAPY WITH PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC-FIELDS IN ASEPTIC LOOSENING OF TOTAL HIP PROTHESES - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY, Clinical rheumatology, 15(4), 1996, pp. 325-328
Aseptic loosening is the most common problem of hip arthroplasties, li
miting its long term success. We report a study of pulsed electromagne
tic field (PEMF) treatment in 24 patients with this complicatin. At th
e end of treatment, six months and one year later, pain and hip moveme
nts improved significantly with the exception of flexion and extension
. There was significant improvement in both isotope scans and ultrason
ography, but not in plain X-ray. The decreased pain and improved funct
ion suggest that PEMF is effective in improving symptoms of patients w
ith loose hip replacement. No improvement, however, can be expected in
patients with severe pain due to gross loosening.