Clinical Application of Direct Current Stimulation in the Treatment of Infected Non-Unions

Lee, Duk Yong; Chung, Moon Sang; Chang, Jay Suk; Hwang, Kyu Chun

Abstract

In the treatment of an infected ununited fractures of a long bone, it often is difficult to achieve union and eradicate the infection. Over the past two decades, the electrical behaviour of bone has been studied with increasing interest and several reports reveal that electricity can stimulate osteogenesis. We have experienced 11 cases of infected non-union who were treated by immobilization plus direct current stimulation from January, 1980 to July, 1982. In all cases satisfactorv union occurred within averaging 8.1 months. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The direct current stimulation has revealed to be effective with antibiotics and some kinds of immobilization in treatment of infected non union. 2. If bone graft is combined with electrical stimulation, time from beginning of electrical treatment to union is shortened, as compared with cases of electrical stimulation alone. 3. The electrical stimulation is preferable to other surgeries in treatment of infected non-union due to its effectiveness and simplicity. 4. It is considered treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with silver anode is not due to electrically generated silver ion but its electricity per se. 5. To prevent refracture and assure complete healing, continued immobilization such as cast brace, walking cast, or conventional brace is necessary after electrical stimulation for the time being.