Effect of electroacupuncture on the healing process of tibia fracture in a rat model: a randomised controlled trial

Background Electrical stimulation is used to promote bone reunion, and is most effective when applied directly to the fracture site. Objective To examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the healing process of tibia fracture in a rat model. Methods Thirty 12-week-old male Wistar rats underwent unilateral open osteotomies of the tibiae. The rats were then assigned randomly to three groups: EA group (n=10), sham group (n=10) and control group (n=10). In the EA group, a cathodal electrode was connected to an acupuncture needle percutaneously penetrated directly at the surgery site, while an acupuncture needle inserted at 15 mm proximal to the surgery site was used as an anodal electrode. EA (50 Hz, 20 mu A, 20 min) was performed daily for 3 weeks. In the sham group the acupuncture needles were inserted at the same sites but no electrical stimulation was given and in the control group, no treatment was given. The response was evaluated at 1, 3, 4 and 6 weeks after surgery by radiographic, macroscopic and mechanical examinations. Results The EA group showed accelerated bone healing (EA group 29.92 +/- 4.55 mm(2), sham group 26.46 +/- 5.21 mm(2), control group 26.19 +/- 2.81 mm(2), p<0.05 at 3 weeks) and accretion of the callus (radiographic evaluation: EA group 35.66 +/- 4.37 mm(2), sham group 32.60 +/- 5.73 mm(2), control group 29.72 +/- 6.39 mm(2), p<0.05 at 6 weeks) compared with the other groups. Mechanical testing also showed an excellent result (EA group 16.54 +/- 9.92 N, sham group 7.13 +/- 3.57 N, control group 6.67 +/- 3.12 N, p<0.05) at 6 weeks in the EA group compared with the other groups. There was no difference between the sham and control groups in any evaluation. Conclusion The use of EA enhanced callus development and bone mineralisation during the bone healing process.