Introduction
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy, also known as low field magnetic stimulation (LFMS), represents a notable advancement in the realm of medical treatments. This innovative approach harnesses electromagnetic fields to address diverse conditions, from depression to non-union fractures. This method has been proven to increase bone tissue regeneration in a variety of medical treatment disciplines. The fundamental mechanism underlying this therapy lies in the capacity of the generated magnetic field to influence crucial cellular processes, specifically cell differentiation and proliferation, by modulating metabolic pathways.
Technological history
After the design and manufacture of various types of electromagnetic signals during World War II, magnetic and electromagnetic field began to serve as therapeutic modalities [1]. In the 1950s, Yasuda et al. [2] demonstrated the existence of electric potentials in bones, including steady-state potential and stress-induced potential. Since then, researchers have generated interest in the efficacy of the electricity on bone growth and fracture repair [[3], [4], [5], [6]]. Various devices have been developed to generate electromagnetic fields for osteogenesis stimulation [7]. A big step of pulsed electromagnetic fields was funded by NASA, which invested millions into research and implementation of electromagnetic field into spacecrafts. All this, in order to provide the astronauts with electromagnetic fields that kept their cellular and muscular health and mobility even in a gravity-free space. In 1964, Bassett et al. [8] demonstrated the effects of electric currents on new bone growth in vivo and then reported the therapeutic use of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in humans congenital and acquired pseudarthroses and non-unions in 1977 [9]. Then PEMF stimulation was approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nonunion fractures in 1979 [10]. In 1979, the FDA approved PEMF to treat post-operative pain and edema, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis and has been FDA cleared for veterinary use for non-union fractures on racehorses.Subsequently, there was an abundance in the literature of reports describing the effects of PEMF therapy.