Specialty Solutions Spotlight: How Bone Growth Stimulators Accelerate Healing
Christopher Rogalsky
Manager, Operations, Apricus, an Enlyte company
Who is best suited to use a bone growth stimulator after an injury?
Recovering from a broken bone can be a long and difficult journey, often accompanied by pain, diminished quality of life, and ongoing medical expenses. Accelerating the healing process is essential, and advancements in technology—like bone growth stimulators (BGS)—are transforming the recovery landscape.
Bone growth stimulators are designed to speed up the healing of fractures. They work by promoting new bone growth through low-level electrical, magnetic or ultrasound signals directed at the fracture site. There are two main types of BGS devices: internal stimulators, which are surgically implanted, and external devices that can be worn over a cast or brace during recovery.
The effectiveness of BGS depends on factors like the severity of the fracture, the specific bone affected, and an individual’s health risks. Severe injuries, such as those from auto accidents, or complex fractures like open or multiple breaks, often heal poorly without assistance.
Additionally, certain medical conditions or medications can significantly slow the recovery process, making BGS an invaluable tool. Injured employees taking insulin, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants or high doses of opioids are particularly susceptible to delayed healing, as are smokers and those with compromised immune systems. Individuals requiring bone grafts or managing comorbidities like heart disease, diabetes or obesity often experience slower recovery and benefit from the enhanced healing support provided by BGS devices.
Shorter healing times not only benefit injured employees but also save costs. A quicker return to work reduces claim expenses and reduces disruptions for employers. BGS devices not only address the initial fracture but also help prevent complications like improper alignment or delayed union, which can lead to chronic discomfort or impaired function. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of persistent pain, reduced mobility or future corrective surgeries.
BGS are transforming fracture recovery, accelerating healing and helping injured employees return to work faster. These devices provide highly effective, minimally invasive, and cost-efficient alternatives to surgery, representing a significant advancement in workers’ comp care.
This information is meant to serve as a general overview, and any specific questions should be fully reviewed with a health care professional or specialty service provider.
To make a referral for bone stimulation devices and other services, call us today at 877.203.9899 or send an email to referrals@apricusinc.com.