The Impact of Bone Growth Stimulators on Quality of Life

Bone growth stimulators are medical devices designed to promote bone healing and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from bone fractures, non-unions, or spinal fusion surgeries. These devices use various forms of energy, such as electrical or magnetic fields, to stimulate bone growth and enhance the healing process. In this blog, we will explore the significance of bone growth stimulators in improving quality of life and discuss the different types of devices available.

Enhanced Healing Process and Quality of Life

Delayed healing is common in bone fractures, affecting approximately 5% to 10% of cases. This prolonged healing process can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to prolonged recovery, reduced mobility, and increased pain. Bone growth stimulators offer a non-surgical treatment option to address these issues, enhancing the healing process and improving overall quality of life.

Types of Bone Growth Stimulators

There are two primary types of bone growth stimulators: invasive and non-invasive devices. Invasive devices are surgically implanted near the healing site, while non-invasive devices are worn outside the body during treatment. Both types of devices use different forms of energy to stimulate bone growth, including electrical, magnetic, and ultrasound fields.

 

Invasive Bone Growth Stimulators
Invasive bone growth stimulators use electrical, magnetic, or ultrasound currents to stimulate bone growth. These devices are often used for invasive fractures and the device is surgically implanted near the healing site.
Non-Invasive Bone Growth Stimulators
These types of bone growth stimulators use magnetic, electrical or ultrasound fields to stimulate bone growth. These devices are often used or worn outside the body during treatment.
For more detailed information regarding types of bone growth stimulators, checkout this other article and learn more.

Clinical Success Rates

Bone growth stimulators have been shown to have high clinical success rates. For example, the DJO device has a clinical success rate of 89% for nonunion fractures, and the PhysioStim device has a clinical success rate of 38% for accelerating the healing of fresh fractures.

Ease of Use

Bone growth stimulators are designed to be easy to use and require minimal patient effort. Non-invasive devices are typically worn for 20 minutes daily, and invasive devices are implanted for 6-9 months before being removed in a second surgical procedure.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Bone growth stimulators are covered by Medicare for specific indications, including nonunion of long bone fractures and failed spinal fusion. However, coverage may vary depending on the specific device and indication. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment and potential insurance coverage.

If you're a Medicare beneficiary, you can fill out this contact form and we'll give you a call and provide further information on how to get a bone growth stimulator with your insurance by verifying your eligibility.

Conclusion

Bone growth stimulators are a valuable tool in improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from bone fractures, non-unions, or spinal fusion surgeries. These devices offer a non-surgical treatment option that can enhance the healing process and reduce the risk of complications. By understanding the different types of bone growth stimulators and their clinical success rates, individuals can make informed decisions about their treatment options and work with their healthcare providers to achieve optimal outcomes.

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