Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2000; 13(04): 158-164
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632654
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Facilitation of fracture repair using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound

S. J. Warden
1   Centre for Sports Medicine Research and Education, School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Australia
,
W. T. Wong
2   Animal Hospitals of Australia and Stud Park Veterinary Clinic, Australia
,
K. L. Bennell
1   Centre for Sports Medicine Research and Education, School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Australia
,
J. M. McMeeken
1   Centre for Sports Medicine Research and Education, School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Australia
,
J. D. Wark
3   Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Australia
4   Bone and Mineral Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 13 April 2000

Accepted 21 June 2000

Publication Date:
09 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

A recent application of ultrasound (US) therapy is to bone fractures. In two randomized controlled trials in humans, specific dosed US accelerated fresh tibial and radial fracture repair by 38%. When applied to delayed- and non-unions the same dosed US resulted in union in over 80% of cases. Similar US may augment fracture repair in veterinary practice. This paper reviews US dosages applied during fracture repair and their effect on bone healing. It concludes by discussing the clinical and practical implications of these findings to veterinary practice and the need for further research into this electrotherapeutic modality.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound has been shown to facilitate fresh fracture repair, reduce the incidence of delayed-union and initiate healing of fractures displaying delayedand non-union. This paper discusses these findings and their implications to veterinary practice.