Riassunto dello studio

Twenty-two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1,557 patients were included in this meta-analysis comparing pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to a control (sham or no treatment) for promotion of fracture healing. Outcome of interest included pooled healing incidence, time to healing, pain, bone mineral density (BMD), and functional outcomes. Sub-group analyses were conducted for healing incidence comparing injury type, bone type, and mechanism of injury. The results demonstrated that pooled healing rate, healing time, and pain were significantly in favour of the PEMF treatment arm. All subgroup analysis of healing rate were significantly in favour of the PEMF group. Insufficient data was available in the included studies on BMD and functional outcomes, preventing meta-analysis. Results suggest that PEMF can improve bone healing and reduce healing time, but further RCTs are required to assess its efficacy in improving BMD and functional outcomes.