Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerates bone maturation in distraction osteogenesis in rabbits

Abstract

We investigated the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on distraction osteogenesis in a rabbit model.Callotasis of the right tibia was performed in 70 male Japanese white rabbits using mini-external fixators. In the first part of the study in 64 animals using normal distraction (waiting period seven days; distraction rate 0.5 mm/12 hours; distraction period ten days), we evaluated the distraction site by radiography, measurement of the bone mineral density (BMD), mechanical testing, and histology. In the second part in six rabbits using fast distraction (waiting period 0 days; distraction rate 1.5 mm/12 hours; distraction period seven days) the site was evaluated radiologically. Half of the animals (35) had received ultrasound to their right leg (30mW/cm 2 ) for 20 minutes daily after ceasing distraction (ultrasound group), while rigid fixation only was maintained in the other half (control group). With normal distraction, the hard callus area, as shown by radiography, the BMD, and the findings on mechanical testing, were significantly greater in those receiving ultrasound than in the control group. Histological analysis showed no tissue damage attributable to exposure to ultrasound. With fast distraction, immature bone regeneration was observed radiologically in the control group, while bone maturation was achieved in the ultrasound group.We conclude that ultrasound can accelerate bone maturation in distraction osteogenesis in rabbits, even in states of poor callotasis.

Experimental study on low intensity ultrasound and tissue engineering to repair segmental bone defects

“…Wolff law indicates that bone structures are reconstructed by the outside force and its direction and the physiological response and healing process are influenced by mechanics. Also ultrasound can improve the local blood flow, speed up the transportation of growth factor and cytokines available for the healing of bone fracture [4] . Studies revealed that the effects of ultrasound on the healing process of bone fracture might be contributed to the following biological mechanisms: Ultrasound induces the changes in cell membrane, resulting in the changes in ion permeability and the activation of second message, which in turn leads to the changes in gene expression and further up-regulates the expression of cartilage and bone specific genes [3] , so accelerating the healing of bone fracture.…”

In VitroEffects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation on the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Alveolar Bone-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Tooth Tissue Engineering

“…LIPUS has been widely found to stimulate fracture healing in animal models and in clinical treatments [4, 5]. LIPUS has also been reported to accelerate bone maturation in distraction osteogenesis cases in animal models [6, 7] and in clinical treatments [8, 9]. LIPUS may induce a micromechanical stimulation of the bone and induce osteogenesis, according to Wolff's Law [10].…”

Low‐intensity ultrasound stimulation prevents osteoporotic bone loss in young adult ovariectomized mice

“…It has therapeutic potential; in vivo animal studies demonstrated that LIUS accelerated the healing of bone fractures. LIUS enhances the mechanical properties of the healing callus,7–9 as well as bone bridging,9, 10 and is also effective for treating nonunion fractures11, 12 and distraction osteogenesis in animal models and clinical trials 13, 14. Ultrasound appears to affect healing by modulating bone structure.…”