Current Evidence Using Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Overview

Journal J Clin Med

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2024 Apr 13

PMID 38610722

Authors

Luigi Cianni

Emidio Di Gialleonardo

Donato Coppola

Giacomo Capece

Eugenio Libutti

Massimiliano Nannerini

Giulio Maccauro

Raffaele Vitiello

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

(1) Osteoarthritis (OA) significantly impacts patients' quality of life and negatively affects public healthcare costs. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in OA treatment across different anatomical districts, determining pain reduction and overall improvement in the patient's quality of life. (2) In this systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials involving patients with osteoarthritis undergoing PEMF therapy. Seventeen studies (1197 patients) were included. (3) PEMF therapy demonstrated positive outcomes across various anatomical districts, primarily in knee osteoarthritis. Pain reduction, assessed through VAS and WOMAC scores, showed significant improvement (60% decrease in VAS, 42% improvement in WOMAC). The treatment duration varied (15 to 90 days), with diverse PEMF devices used. Secondary outcomes included improvements in quality of life, reduced medication usage, and enhanced physical function. (4) Diverse PEMF applications revealed promising results, emphasizing pain reduction and improvement in the quality of life of patients. The variability in the treatment duration and device types calls for further investigation. This review informs future research directions and potential advancements in optimizing PEMF therapies for diverse osteoarthritic manifestations.

Citing Articles

[The value of physical therapy modalities for osteonecrosis and bone marrow edema : Current study situation and practical applicability in everyday clinical practice].

Linneweber L Orthopadie (Heidelb). 2025; .

PMID: 40029394 DOI: 10.1007/s00132-025-04624-9.

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