title: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in the treatment of traumatic hand fracture in an elite athlete.
abstract: We report a case of complex traumatic hand fracture successfully treated with low-intensity ultrasound in an elite soccer goalkeeper. A single 20-min daily application of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (frequency, 1.5 Mhz; intensity, 30 mW/cm2) provided by Exogen's Sonic Accelerated Fracture Healing System was administered for 24 days on end. Plain radiographs, ultrasonography, and computed tomographic scans were performed to diagnose and to follow-up the evolution of the fracture during the treatment. After 24 days, the athlete was allowed to recommence his specific sport activity with a modified soccer glove and functional taping. After 2 months, radiographs demonstrated the complete healing, with no displacement, of the fracture sites.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate School in Sport Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Giannini
authors.forename: Arrigo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giombini
authors.forename: Maria Rita
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Moneta
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Massazza
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pigozzi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017102:Fracture Healing; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries*; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000379:methods