The Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation on the Healing of Radial Fracture in Rabbit

Abstract

The study was performed on 10 New Zealand white rabbits 6 months old and weighing 3.0 to 4. 5 kg so as to evaluate the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TES) on the right radial fracture healing. A piece of 0. 5 cm full thickness of right midshaft of radial bone was removed in all rabbits under general anesthesia. They were divided into two groups (control and experimental) of 5 rabbits each. No treatment was given to control group, whereas experimental rabbits were subjected to TES. Radiographs were taken from all rabbits before surgery and on 15, 30 and 45 days. The callus sample was collected from the exact defected part on 45 days that was fixed and was stained with H&E method for histomorphological interpretation. Clinically there was faster skin wound healing in experimental rabbits as compared to the control group. Radiographical interpretation revealed periosteal reaction on 15 days and callus formation was much more on 30 and 45 days/ in experimental one as compared to control group. In experimental group there was the least cartilaginous and fibrotic tissues with thick bony trabeculae formation. It was concluded that TES has got positive effect on skin wound healing besides accelerating callus formation at the site of radial defect with early restoration of full limb function.