Publication:

Effectiveness of combined magnetic field bone growth stimulation on lumbar spinal fusion outcomes: a single center retrospective analysis comparing combined magnetic field to no-stimulation

Background The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of combined magnetic field (CMF) bone growth stimulation on lumbar fusion outcomes, as compared to no-stimulation.

Methods This study reviewed fusion efficacy of a consecutive cohort of 652 patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery at our institution between 2001 and 2018.  Fusion status was determined via radiographic analysis, with four surgeons contributing data to this study. The minimum patient follow-up time was 6 months. Previously identified risk factors (i.e. smoking status) were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using cross-tabulation tests with chi-square analyses, one-way ANOVA’s, and Tukey’s range tests. 53% (343/652) of patients had undergone adjuvant treatment with CMF stimulation.

Results Patients treated with CMF stimulation had significantly greater fusion success of 97% compared to no stimulation at 62% (p<0.00001). Further, it was observed that smokers had a significantly higher fusion rate with CMF treatment than without electrical stimulation (94% vs 61%, p=0.000032).

Conclusions Additional studies to evaluate the effectiveness of CMF treatment in patients with risk factors are warranted.