Efficacy and safety of the pulsed electromagnetic field in osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis.

12 studies were included in this meta-analysis, comparing pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to sham therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The outcomes of interest in included pain, function, and adverse events. The pooled results found significantly improved pain and function among PEMF groups compared to sham groups. More specifically, the improvement in pain and function was observed in the treatment of knee and hand OA; no significant differences were observed between PEMF and sham groups for the treatment of cervical OA. There were no significant differences in the rate of adverse events between the PEMF and sham groups.