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Which Is The Best Non-Invasive Treatment For Stimulating Bone Growth?

A lot of patients undergoing cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine surgery will have bones that do not heal or take a lot of time to heal. This is called non-union which may cause dysfunction, and chronic back pain and hampers a person’s return to normal activities. There are a variety of techniques that surgeons may employ for stimulating bone growth. Electrical bone growth stimulators are increasingly recommended by doctors as the most effective non-invasive treatment for delayed union or non-union after fractures or surgery.

What Is A Bone Growth Stimulator?

A bone growth stimulator is a device prescribed by orthopedists as a way to help promote faster healing and avoid another surgery. These devices are designed to create an electric field around the fusion site. The electrical signals stimulate the natural healing process of bones. 

There are different types of bone growth stimulators: Invasive and Non-Invasive

Invasive BGS: An invasive bone growth is implanted in or around the fusion site at the time of the surgery. These devices require a second surgery to remove the battery from the patient’s body.

Non-invasive BGS: These devices are worn outside the body and they send electrical energy to the fusion site for stimulating bone growth.

Non-invasive or external bone growth stimulators are recommended by Orthopaedic physicians. If you decide on using a non-invasive treatment for stimulating bone growth, a bone growth stimulator is placed on an area where nonunion is present. One has to wear it from 20 minutes to several hours each day as per the instructions of the doctor.

Are External Bone Growth Stimulators Effective?

The effectiveness of bone growth stimulators is still unclear. However, in 92% of the cases, patients who use external bone growth stimulators experienced less pain and quick recovery after spinal fusion surgeries.

These devices are useful for people who have impaired bone growth and don’t want to undergo another expensive surgery for stimulating bone growth. A patient can wear an external BGS anytime while easily performing all the routine activities.

Types of External Bone Growth Stimulators

There are two types of bone growth stimulators available in the market:

1. Electrical Stimulators

These types of BGS(s) are placed over the skin, usually over a Medicare back brace or modified cast. When activated, they send low-level electrical currents and have proved to be useful for stimulating bone growth.

2. Ultrasonic Osteogenesis Stimulators

A coupling gel is applied to the skin before placing these devices over the fusion site. These devices transmit ultrasound that sends a signal to put pressure on the non-union bone. This pressure is similar to mechanical pressure which helps in the stimulation of bone formation.

If you have undergone spinal fusion and your orthopedist thinks that you have a nonunion, this means your bone is not fusing or it is taking longer than normal period. An external bone growth stimulator is the safest non-invasive treatment option that will accelerate the bone formation and help you recover as fast as possible. If you’re considering BGS therapy, Daphco can help you explore the best bone growth stimulator options for quick recovery.

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