[Treatment of non-union and delayed-union by low intennsity pulsed ultrasound].
Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been used for non-union and delayed-union since 1998 in Japan. The LIPUS signal is 200 microsecond sine wave of 1.5 MHz repeating at a frequency of 1 KHz. The intensity is 30 mW/cm(2) spatial and temporal average. Application of LIPUS to healing fractures has been shown to increase the mechanical strength of the callus, including torque and stiffness, and reduce the time to bone union in animal models and clinical trials. The mechanism of LIPUS for acceleration of fracture healing is still unclear, but we speculate that micro mechanical stress transferred by the ultrasound signal stimulates enchondral ossification. Success rates for non-union and delayed-union are 80% in Japan.
Tsunoda
Masaya
M
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hyogo Prefectual Kakogawa Hospital.