Electrical Stimulation in Delayed Union of Long Bones

Abstract

The role of electricity in the promotion of fracture union of long bones in human beings requires further investigation. An electric stimulator was devised through which 15 μA current was applied to the fractured long bones of 20 patients with delayed union. The best results were obtained in cases where the negative electrode was introduced at the fracture site and the positive electrode was placed proximal to the fracture area. In 90 per cent of cases treated by different methods in this series, union occurred within an average period of 91/4 weeks. The rate of infection following introduction of the electrodes for electrical stimulation was 20 per cent.