Acceleration of ossification by means of interferential current.

Dynamic interferential current ossification system (DICOS) is a new non-invasive method to accelerate bone growth and repair successfully applied in Europe. As all evaluation methods of clinical bone repair models are too subjective and statistically unreliable, we base our statement on well defined animal experiments with standardized artificial fractures on sheep. Histological, chemical, radiological and electron-microscopic evaluations showed that the higher the interferential current density, the higher: The mineralization of the new bone; The extracellular alkaline phosphatase and The earlier the weight bearing. The electrical field was cross-calculated with computer-aided programs. 4000 Hz alternating current, using the interferential principle; Pleasant current sensation Non-invasive transcutaneous application; Electrode application at any distance from the fracture, even outside the cast; The application is not contraindicated with metal implants being used; No chemical burning under the electrodes; Post-traumatic oedema resorption; Pain relief for patients in cases where analgetics are contraindicated; Acceleration of reinnervation and improvement of microcirculation.

[Bone healing and dynamic interferential current (DIC) (author's transl)]. / Knochenheilung und dynamischer Interferenzstrom (DIC)--Erste vergleichende tierexperimentelle Studie an Schafen. Teil I: Experimentelles Vorgehen und histologische Ergebnisse.

The aim of this investigation was to clarify the influence of dynamic interferential current (DIC). Two sinusoidal currents of medium frequency are superimposed within the body to determine the reactive changes of bone healing after osteotomy. An osteotomy was performed on the radius and ulna of the right foreleg of 34 'black-head breeding sheep'. The radius shaft was deperiostalized and unstably fixed with a four-hole AO-plate leaving a gap of at least 1 mm width. DIC of different mA-values were not treated 24 sheep 3 times per week for 10 mins. The other 10 animals were not treated with DIC but used as control animals. The different results of our clinical, radiological, histological and chemical analyses to date indicate that callus formation is accelerated by the application of DIC. The fracture callus of treated animals is strongly mineralized.

[Bone healing and dynamic interferential current (DIC) (author's transl)]. / Knochenheilung und dynamischer Interferenzstrom (DIC).-Erste vergleichende tierexperimentelle Studie an Schafen. Teil II: Physikalische und chemische Ergebnisse.

In the course of supplementary physical and chemical investigations of the influence of Dynamic Interferential Current (DIC) on bone healing 24 black-head sheep were subjected to transversal osteotomy of the radius. After an instable osteosynthesis the site was exposed to repeated therapy with DIC of varying mA intensity. (Methodological details are described in part I). DIC therapy resulted in altering the temperatures in the treated tissue, dependent on the mA intensity. Further associations were verified between DIC intensity and the occurrence of hydroxyprolin, and amino acid specific collagen, which also reflected increased calcifying activity. Measurement of the calcium and phosphorus levels in the regenerated (newly forming) bone tissue documented full mineralization in the DIC-treated animals at a much earlier date than in the untreated controls that had undergone similar operations. Whether DIC specifically stimulates osteogenesis within "healing" bones is still unclear.