10
With use, the electrode gel area may dry out and the electrode may lose
its contact with the skin. (This may cause the LED on the stimulator
blink intermittently, and cause an audible intermittent alarm sound). If
this occurs, the electrode may be reapplied. If dry, moisten the entire
gel area of the electrode with tap water. Reapply the electrode to the
patient’s skin. If necessary replace the electrodes.
Electrode cover patches may be used to protect the electrodes during
showering. (Figure 2)
NOTE: Patient must remove stimulator before showering. The protective covers are provided to prevent
the necessity of completely removing the adhesive electrodes and then re-applying them following
personal hygiene.
Selection of Electrode Sites
Following routine roentgenographic assessment, select the axis
around the fracture nonunion for the placement of electrodes.
Placement of the electrodes in the anteroposterior, mediolateral
or any axis around the area of the fracture nonunion is at the
discretion of the physician.
Electrodes should be placed so that they transmit minimal
stimulation through scar tissue, are convenient to access for
replacement and are least likely to be disturbed during normal
daily activities.
The placement of the electrodes on either side of the fracture nonunion site should be positioned 180°
to each other. A tolerance of plus or minus 20° of misalignment is allowable. (Figure 3)
Figure 3
Figure 2
In the plane of the long axis of the bone, the tolerance
misalignment is equal to the 1-3/8 inch diameter of an
electrode. (Figure 4)
NOTE: It is advisable to remove body hair at the
electrode sites. The hair should be clipped with scissors
or an electric shaver. DO NOT USE A BLADE, IT MAY
IRRITATE THE SKIN.
Figure 4
