Facilitation of fracture repair using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound

S. J. Warden; W. T. Wong; K. L. Bennell; J. M. McMeeken; J. D. Wark

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1632654

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

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

Authors

S. J. Warden

¹Centre for Sports Medicine Research and Education, School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Australia
W. T. Wong

²Animal Hospitals of Australia and Stud Park Veterinary Clinic, Australia
K. L. Bennell

¹Centre for Sports Medicine Research and Education, School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Australia
J. M. McMeeken

¹Centre for Sports Medicine Research and Education, School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Australia
J. D. Wark

³Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Australia

⁴Bone and Mineral Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Fracture healing - ultrasound therapy

Full Text

References

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