Method and apparatus for stimulating the healing of medical implants

摘要

A technique to enhance the stability of dental and orthopedic implants (including artificial joints and fractures) by inducing implant micromotion via a permanent magnet coupled to the implant which is vibrated using a cyclic magnetic force to enhance growth and apposition of the surrounding bone. In the preferred embodiment the implant temporarily holds a rigidly fixed, permanent magnet that is oscillated by an externally applied, time varying moving magnetic field of controlled frequency and intensity. Movement of the internal magnet transmits movement to the implant and effects stimulation of the implant-bone interface.