低频脉冲电磁场治疗骨质疏松的机制及临床应用

Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields for treatment of osteoporosis

BACKGROUND: The most commonly used physiotherapies for osteoporosis include low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field, ultrashort wave therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Because of the uncertain intensity of extracorporeal shock wave and uncertain efficacy of ultrasound therapy, low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields have become the most widely used treatment for osteoporosis in clinic.OBJECTIVE: To review the mechanism and clinical application of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of osteoporosis.METHODS: A computer search by the first author of PubMed and CNKI databases was performed for relevant articles using the keywords of “pulsed electromagnetic fields and osteoporosis” or “osteoblast or osteoclast” in English and “osteoporosis; pulsed pulsed electromagnetic fields; osteoblasts; osteoclasts” in Chinese, respectively. After initial search, there were 169 articles, and according to the inclusion criteria, 29 highly relevant articles that are authentic and have clear views were analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The pulsed electromagnetic field as a non-drug therapy is characterized by no trauma, no infection, simple operation, low cost, long-term use, and good safety. Its efficacy has been increasingly affirmed by researchers and clinicians. Pulsed electromagnetic fields can promote the synthesis of DNA, influence the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, increase the apoptosis of osteoclasts, and have a certain window effect. Pulsed electromagnetic fields can effectively relieve pain and increase bone density level in patients with osteoporosis, which can increase its efficacy in combination with other drugs and have a wide range of clinical applications.