
Spine
Variable results of electrical stimulation following spinal fusion
Evid Based Spine Care J. 2014 Oct;5(2):87-946 randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of electrical stimulation techniques in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery were included in this systematic review. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of various electrical stimulation techniques in promoting bone fusion/union following lumbar spinal fusion procedures in comparison to a control group without stimulation. The types of electrical stimulation techniques included direct current, pulsed electromagnetic field, and capacitive coupling stimulation. Regardless of the type of electrical stimulation technique used, the overall proportions of patients achieving bony fusion/union varied widely (35.4-90.6%) and were comparable to control values over 9-24 month follow-up periods. The overall strength of the evidence used in this review was rated as 'low' using the GRADE system.
Unlock the full article
Get unlimited access to OrthoEvidence with a free trial
Start TrialCritical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics
Or continue reading this full article
Register Now

Subscribe to "The Pulse"
Evidence-Based Orthopaedics direct to your inbox.