THE BIOPHYSICAL STIMULATION OF OSTEOGENESIS: A REVIEW

The use of biophysical methods to promote osteogenesis have been successfully used since 30 years in everyday orthopedic practice to enhance osteogenesis in such diseases as delayed unions, non unions, avascular necrosis of the femoral head. It is also used in the treatment of fracture at risk of non union and to favor spinal fusion. Biophysical therapy can be performed using inductive, capacitive, mechanic or implanted devices. The mechanism of action of physical stimuli is at a membrane level where the activation of calcium channels determines the enhancement of cell proliferation and the production of growth factors. Biophysical therapy should be performed using devices and modalities described in the literature. The biophysical stimulation of osteogenesis is effective in the enhancement of the biology of fracture healing in presence of a correct orthopedic treatment in terms of good alignment and stabilization at the fracture site. The choice of which method have to be used it depends on the segment of bone that has to be treated, the type of fracture and if it is possible to apply the device on the skin. The presence of internal or external fixation devices is not a contraindication