Non-invasive method for in-vivo bone-growth stimulation
A method and apparatus for preventing osteopenia, promoting bone tissue growth, ingrowth, and healing of bone tissue includes the step of and means for applying a mechanical load to the bone tissue at a relatively low level on the order of between about 50 and about 500 microstrain, peak-to-peak, and at a relatively high frequency in the range from about 10 and about 100 Hz. Mechanical loading at such strain levels and such frequencies has been found to prevent bone loss and enhance new bone formation.