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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

The role of electrical stimulation in the management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in adults: a systematic review

Authors: Talal Al-Jabri, Jessica Yan Qi Tan, Gabriel Yihan Tong, Ravikiran Shenoy, Babar Kayani, Timothy Parratt, Tahir Khan

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head causes significant morbidity and occurs in up to 20,000 people per year. A variety of nonoperative and operative measures have been trialled however a definitive treatment algorithm is yet to be established. Young adults in many cases have undergone multiple surgical procedures in their lifetime with increasing risks of complications. Less invasive techniques may help reduce the number of operations required and positively influence the natural history of the disease process. Our aim was to navigate the literature and examine the results of electrical stimulation of the femoral head in avascular necrosis.

Methods

The following defined search strategy was used to perform a systematic review using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases: ((avascular necrosis) OR (osteonecrosis)) AND (femoral head) AND ((electrical stimulation) OR (capacitive coupling) OR (pulsed electromagnetic fields)). Articles were reviewed and data compiled into tables for analysis.

Results

Fourty six articles were identified with a total of 10 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. 8 articles were prospective studies and 2 were retrospective. Early Ficat stages showed the best responses to treatment via pulsed electromagnetic fields with improvements in both clinical and radiographic parameters. Direct current and capacitative coupling have had a more ambiguous outcome.

Conclusions

Pulsed electromagnetic fields may have a role in the management of early avascular necrosis. The paucity of clinical studies into this technique indicates a need for further studies.
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Metadata
Title
The role of electrical stimulation in the management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in adults: a systematic review
Authors
Talal Al-Jabri
Jessica Yan Qi Tan
Gabriel Yihan Tong
Ravikiran Shenoy
Babar Kayani
Timothy Parratt
Tahir Khan
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1663-5

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