Bassett et al. were the first to employ magnetic fields to promote fracture healing in a non-invasive and safe manner. Camilleri and McDonald investigated the effect of a static magnetic field using a Neodymium Iron-Boron magnet placed over a skull suture on a rat model and discovered that the mitotic activity of the cells was affected. Bruce et al. demonstrated that stimulation with a static magnetic field enhanced the strength of fractured radii in rabbits. The most likely reason for this healing is enhanced blood circulation due to dilatation of blood vessels and a reduction in platelet stickiness caused by a magnetic field. This improved blood circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the surgery site, which improves the overall healing process. This also helps natural healers remove harmful consequences of inflammation such as bradykinins and prostaglandins. Another study found that applying a magnetic field promotes calcium ion adherence to the blood clot and increases two osteoblastic phenotypic markers (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) at the surgical site, which aids in bone repair. The research presented above suggests that magnetic fields may expedite tissue development.

Limitation

Other aspects that may impact the outcomes include the use of various implant surface modifications, thread designs, edentulous areas, numerous operators, and so on. These were not included in the current investigation. The inclusion of these parameters may improve the findings obtained from this investigation. Many controlled clinical trials with a greater number of patients and a longer follow-up time are required to establish the use of magnetic fields for bone repair around endosseous implants as totally evidence-based.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that a static magnetic field may create an optimal environment for early bone repair, boosting implant stability for quicker recovery. The findings of this study can be used to guide future long-term clinical investigations incorporating the use of magnetic fields, not only to validate their therapeutic effects, but also to improve magnetic field parameters and design a procedure for clinical use.

Summary

Magnetic Fields in Fracture Healing

• Bassett et al. pioneered non-invasive, safe fracture healing using magnetic fields.
• Camilleri and McDonald found that magnetic fields affected cell mitotic activity.
• Bruce et al. found static magnetic field stimulation improved fractured radii strength in rabbits.
• Magnetic fields likely enhance blood circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the surgery site.
• Magnetic fields promote calcium ion adherence to blood clot and increase osteoblastic markers aiding in bone repair.
• Limitations include use of various implant surface modifications, thread designs, edentulous areas, and multiple operators.
• Future research needs more controlled clinical trials and longer follow-up time to establish magnetic fields for bone repair.
• Findings suggest static magnetic field creates optimal environment for early bone repair, boosting implant stability and quicker recovery.