Electrical stimulation of spinal fusion: a scientific and clinical update.

Abstract

For over two decades, a number of electrical stimulation devices have achieved increasing acceptance as adjuncts to lumbar spinal fusion. Direct current electrical stimulation, pulsed electromagnetic fields and more recently capacitive coupling have been shown to have varying effectiveness when used to increase the success of lumbar spinal fusion. The various electrical stimulation devices will be reviewed with respect to the available basic science evidence validating their use as spinal fusion adjuncts, as well as a review of the current clinical data available to allow not only a discussion of their overall clinical applicability, but more specifically their use in specific spinal disorders and spinal fusion techniques. The existing peer-reviewed scientific literature will be used to ascertain the scientific and clinical efficacy of electrical stimulation to enhance lumbar spinal fusion. Electrical stimulation devices have emerged as valid adjuncts to attaining a solid lumbar spinal fusion. However, not all stimulators are equally scientifically effective nor are they equally effective clinically in achieving increased fusion success.