Orthofix Medical has revealed promising findings regarding pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation in lumbar spinal fusion. Conducting evaluations on patients at risk for pseudoarthrosis, Orthofix observed notably successful fusion rates and enhanced outcomes in pain management, functionality, and quality of life for individuals treated with the SpinalStim bone growth device.
Designed as an adjunct therapy for lumbar spinal fusion and a non-surgical option for spinal pseudoarthrosis, SpinalStim, an FDA-approved bone growth stimulation therapy, utilizes PEMF technology to provide comprehensive treatment coverage around the fusion site.
The overall success rate reported by Orthofix stands at an impressive 92% for patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery, highlighting the efficacy of the SpinalStim system.
Data evaluating the SpinalStim system was published in the International Journal of Spine Surgery, reinforcing the benefits of PEMF stimulation in post-lumbar fusion surgery for improved patient outcomes. Lead author Dr. Marc Weinstein emphasized the positive implications of PEMF stimulation based on the study’s results.
The study encompassed 142 patients across 10 U.S. centers, incorporating in-home use of the SpinalStim device for six months post-surgery and determining fusion through radiographic imaging at the 12-month mark.
Successful fusion rates were notably high at 88.5%, 87.5%, and 82.3% for patients with one, two, or three or more risk factors, respectively. Moreover, patient-reported outcomes demonstrated substantial improvements compared to baseline, encompassing factors like disability, functionality, pain, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Orthofix Global Spine President Kevin Kenny emphasized the significance of the SpinalStim bone growth therapy device as a noninvasive and cost-effective means to enhance spinal fusion procedures, allowing patients to continue their healing process at home. This new data contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting PEMF usage for high-risk patients encountering challenges in bone fusion healing.
