By imitating the body’s natural electrical forces, this procedure initiates or accelerates the healing process in a fractured bone that fails to heal. About 1 in 20 fractures may fail to heal properly, possibly as a result of infection, insufficient reduction or fixation, pseudarthrosis, or severe tissue trauma around the fracture. Electrical bone growth stimulation is also used to help bones grow together after such procedures as spinal fusion.

Three basic electrical bone stimulation techniques are available: fully implantable direct current stimulation; semi-invasive percutaneous stimulation; and noninvasive electromagnetic coil stimulation. (See Methods of electrical bone growth stimulation.) The choice of technique depends on the fracture type and location, the doctor’s preference, and the patient’s ability and willingness to comply. The invasive device requires little or no patient involvement. With the other two methods, however, the patient must manage his own treatment schedule and maintain the equipment. Treatment time averages 3 to 6 months.