The effect of static magnetic field on partial thickness burn wound healing

Abstract

Aim: During the past decades, there has been a substantial and growing evidence that static magnetic fields (SMF) and pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMF) can both produce satisfying therapeutic effects on various disorders. There have been researches about the efficacy of SMF in wound healing. However, there is no any investigation about the efficacy of SMF in burn wound healing. In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of SMF in partial thickness burn wound in rats. Material and Method: Forty male Sprague-Dawley male rats were used in the experiment. The modification of Sawada's bum model was applied. In Group1 magnets, in Group2 non-magnetic bars were placed vertically to the burn wound. In Group3 magnets, in Group4 non-magnetic bars were placed horizontally to the burn wound. The wound heating is evaluated by gross wound healing rate and histopathological examination. Results: In study groups, wound healing was faster, granulation with fibroblast migration was earlier, collagen production and neovascularisation were more than control groups. We found no relationship between wound healing and vector direction. Discussion: According to these results static magnetic field can be used in clinic to promote the healing in patients with burns. Especially, in cases that have no chance for grafting, to decrease complications and increase the survival, the static magnetic field can be an alternative.