Orthofix Announces Publication of New Data Supporting Use of PEMF Stimulation in Lumbar Spine Fusion Procedures for Patients at Risk of Pseudarthrosis

LEWISVILLE, Texas– Orthofix Medical Inc. (NASDAQ:OFIX), a leading global spine and orthopedics company, today announced the publication of new data from a prospective, multicenter study investigating Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) stimulation as an adjunct therapy to lumbar spinal fusion procedures in patients at risk for pseudarthrosis. Published in the International Journal of Spine Surgery¹, patients treated with the SpinalStim^™ bone growth therapy device demonstrated a high rate of successful fusion with significant improvements in pain, function and quality of life, despite having risk factors for pseudarthrosis.

“Patients with risk factors such as a prior failed fusion, the need for a multilevel fusion, nicotine use, osteoporosis or diabetes often have a difficult time healing after lumbar fusion surgery,” said lead author Dr. Marc Weinstein, an orthopedic spine surgeon at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute in Tampa, Florida. “These risk factors contribute to complications and pseudarthrosis, which can prolong pain and ultimately reduce quality of life. This data reinforces the use of PEMF stimulation after lumbar fusion surgery to improve outcomes regardless of the patients’ risk factors.”

The prospective study conducted at 10 centers across the U.S. analyzed a total of 142 patients with one or more risk factors for pseudarthrosis. Participants were assigned in-home use of the SpinalStim bone growth therapy device for six months following surgery. Fusion was determined by radiographic imaging at 12 months. Successful fusion for patients with one, two or three or more risk factors was 88.5 percent, 87.5 percent and 82.3 percent respectively. Patient reported outcomes that measure disability, function, pain, quality of life, and overall well-being were also evaluated with significant improvements noted when compared to baseline.

“The SpinalStim bone growth therapy device provides a noninvasive and cost-effective means to augment spinal fusion procedures that enables the patient to continue their healing at home,” said Kevin Kenny, President, Orthofix Global Spine. “This new data is important as it adds to the body of evidence supporting the use of PEMF for high-risk patients who face challenges with bone fusion healing.”

Refrences:

1. Weinstein MA, Beaumont A, Campbell P, Hassanzadeh H, Patel V, Vokshoor A, Wind J, Radcliff K, Aleem I, Coric D. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation in Lumbar Spine Fusion for Patients With Risk Factors for Pseudarthrosis. Int J Spine Surg. 2023 Oct 26:8549. doi: 10.14444/8549. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37884337.
2. Zborowski M, Androjna C, Waldorff EI, Midura RJ. Comparison of therapeutic magnetic stimulation with electric stimulation of spinal column vertebrae. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 51, No. 12, December 2105, 5001009. Erratum in IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 53, No. 2, February 2017, 9700101.
3. PMA P850007/S6. February 1990.
4. Spine.org/PolicyPractice/CoverageRecommendations/AboutCoverageRecommendations.aspx.