What Is Bone Growth Stimulation?
Prescription bone-growth stimulators use PEMF, combined fields, capacitive coupling, or low-intensity ultrasound for specific nonunion, fracture, or spinal-fusion indications. They are not general wellness devices.
Overview
Noninvasive bone-growth stimulators deliver a prescribed physical signal near a fracture or fusion site. Technologies include PEMF, combined magnetic fields, capacitive coupling, and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. They are not interchangeable.
FDA approvals are manufacturer-, model-, and indication-specific, such as established traumatic nonunion or adjunctive treatment for selected spinal fusions. Diagnosis, fixation stability, bone gap, infection, smoking, nutrition, medication, and adherence remain important.
Use the exact daily duration and placement in labeling. A consumer PEMF mat is not a substitute. Healing should be assessed clinically and with appropriate imaging; treatment should not delay revision surgery or infection care when needed.
Benefits
Noninvasive adjunct for selected bone-healing indications
Can be used at home under prescription
Avoids another invasive procedure in some patients
Provides model-specific daily dosing
Can complement fixation and risk-factor management
The Procedure
1
Confirm indication
2
Select approved model
3
Train placement and adherence
4
Monitor healing
Preparation
Bring operative records, imaging, implant information, smoking status, medications, pregnancy status, and insurer requirements.
Recovery & Aftercare
No downtime from the device itself. Report skin irritation, worsening pain, drainage, fever, or implant concerns.
Risks & Considerations
Skin irritation, implant interference, incorrect placement, false reassurance, delayed surgery or infection treatment, nonunion despite use, and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
[1]
FDA: Noninvasive Bone Growth Stimulators.
https://www.fda.gov/media/141902/download[2]
FDA PMA: ActaStim-S.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpma/pma.cfm?id=P190030
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