Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation on callus remodelling in a gap-healing model

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) on the remodelling of callus in a rabbit gap-healing model by bone morphometric analyses using three-dimensional quantitative micro-CT. A tibial osteotomy with a 2 mm gap was immobilised by rigid external fixation and LIPUS was applied using active translucent devices. A control group had sham inactive transducers applied. A region of interest of micro-CT was set at the centre of the osteotomy gap with a width of 1 mm. The morphometric parameters used for evaluation were the volume of mineralised callus (BV) and the volumetric bone mineral density of mineralised tissue (mBMD). The whole region of interest was measured and subdivided into three zones as follows: the periosteal callus zone (external), the medullary callus zone (endosteal) and the cortical gap zone (intercortical). The BV and mBMD were measured for each zone. In the endosteal area, there was a significant increase in the density of newly formed callus which was subsequently diminished by bone resorption that overwhelmed bone formation in this area as the intramedullary canal was restored. In the intercortical area, LIPUS was considered to enhance bone formation throughout the period of observation. These findings indicate that LIPUS could shorten the time required for remodelling and enhance the mineralisation of callus.

Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on healing of mandibular bone defects: an experimental study in rabbits

“…Ossification of the maxillofacial bones is intramembranous, whereas in the long bones ossification is endochondral. 16 Some studies concerning the efficacy of LIPU on maxillofacial bone are in favour of its use. El-Bialy et al reported a significantly positive effect of LIPU on mandibular bone regeneration in distraction osteogenesis in rabbits.…”

Effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation on bone regeneration in rat parietal bone defect model

“…However, it was not clear that LIPUS stimulates bone regeneration in the maxillofacial area because regenerative process of a bone commonly generally follows its embryological process. Bones in the maxillofacial area are flat and formed by intramembranous ossification whereas most bones in other parts of the body are long bones and produced by endochondral ossification [11]. It has been recently reported that LIPUS also stimulates bone regeneration in calvaria bone defects in rats [5,12].…”

Ultrasound treatment for accelerating fracture healing of the distal radius. A control study

“…It has been proved that LIPUS can promote formation of the medullary canal and cortex in a gap-healing model, which then leads to earlier restoration of the structural integrity of the healing site 11 . Many clinical studies indicate that LIPUS can enhance the healing of fresh fractures, delayed unions, nonunions, distraction osteogenesis and congenital pseudoarthroses 7,8,12,13 .…”