Enhancement of Bone-Healing by Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound

Abstract

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Heal rate of metatarsal fractures: A propensity-matching study of patients treated with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) vs. surgical and other treatments

“…Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is well-documented to enhance heal rate of fractures under a range of conditions [33]. However, closed non-displaced metatarsal fractures are expected to heal well in any case.…”

Regenerate bone stimulation following limb lengthening: a meta-analysis

“…Of these, many are related to slower bone healing or even non-unions. There has been a recent increase in the popularity of LIPUS in the fracture/non-union setting, and a recent meta–analysis by Rutten et al [ 49 ] described that LIPUS was able to reduce the time to radiographic fracture healing. Similarly, in the setting of limb lengthening we found that both LIPUS and PEMF improved the healing index and decreased the amount of time needed to consolidate regenerate bone and remain in fixation.…”

Effects of low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound on radiographic healing of tibial plateau leveling osteotomies in dogs: a prospective, randomized, double‐blinded study

“…Urita et al reported improved radiographic bone healing in forearm shortening procedures stabilized with a bone plate and screws. In addition to studies evaluating healing with stabilized osteotomies, others have reported improvement in bone healing with LIPUS treatment for stable fractures …”

“…Meta‐analyses and reviews in the human literature have found that bone healing is most accelerated when LIPUS is used to manage fresh fractures in older patients, with a comminuted configuration . The most recent meta‐analysis by Lascelles et al did not find any effect of LIPUS on pain reduction, days to full weight bearing, time to return to work, or number of subsequent surgeries in man. This study focused on clinically relevant outcome measures that would affect patient quality of life and economic impact.…”

“…LIPUS, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound; SHAM, placebo-treated control. Error bars indicate standard deviation 10,28 Limb function was assessed with a pressure-sensitive walkway to provide objective measures of gait analysis. 20,29 TPI and GLS improved within groups from presurgical analysis to 12-week follow-up, as expected in dogs recovering from TPLO.…”