| Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), as a non-invasive, safe and effective physical therapy, is first applied in treating patients with delayed healing and non-union of fractures, and is now used as a clinical adjunct in the treatment of osteoporosis. In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that PEMF stimulates bone formation by osteoblasts and inhibits bone resorption by osteoclasts, ultimately achieving structural integrity of bone and preservation of bone mass and bone strength. A large number of clinical studies have also shown that PEMF has satisfactory therapeutic effect on increasing bone mineral density, relieving pain, and improving life quality of patients with osteoporosis. However, the certainty of the positive effects of PEMF on osteoporosis still needs to be further investigated. In this review, we summarize the relevant clinical literature on PEMF for the treatment of osteoporosis in the domestic and overseas, and discuss the possible mechanisms, aiming to provide some reference for future clinical studies. |