Effect of a static magnetic field on fracture healing in a rabbit radius. Preliminary results
Bruce, G.K.; Howlett, C.R.; Huckstep, R.L.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 222: 300-306
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-921X PMID: 3621734 Document Number: 289345
To ascertain what effect a static magnetic force has on a healing fracture, samarium cobalt magnets were implanted adjacent to induced radial fractures in adult rabbits. A magnetic field of 220-260 G was generated at the fracture site. The radii were allowed to heal for four weeks and the contralateral fractured bones acted as controls. Healing bone units were assessed microscopically and mechanically. Significantly greater forces (p less than 0.01) were required to break those bone units exposed to magnetic fields. However, no significant difference was found when comparing the longitudinal midcallus areas from magnetized and nonmagnetized limbs.