The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on autologous osteochondral plugs in a canine model.
BACKGROUND
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes the enchondral portion of fracture healing, which has a direct stimulatory effect on cartilage formation and maturation.


OBJECTIVE
Daily ultrasound treatment positively affects the repair and incorporation of modified autologous osteochondral plugs in a canine model.


METHODS
Controlled laboratory study.


METHODS
In 18 dogs, 2 autologous plugs separated from host cartilage by a 1.5-mm gap were created on the medial femoral condyle in both knees of each dog. One knee was treated daily with a clinically available ultrasound bone stimulator. Animals were sacrificed after 6 and 12 weeks of therapy and the articular surfaces evaluated grossly and histologically.


RESULTS
Ultrasound-treated sites had significantly improved gross appearance at 6 weeks and histologic appearance at 6 and 12 weeks. The interface repair tissue of ultrasound-treated sites had a more normal translucent appearance than control sites. Ultrasound treatment improved the cell morphologic characteristics of the interface repair tissue and increased subchondral bone regeneration. Bonding of the interface repair tissue between plug and adjacent cartilage was significantly improved compared with control sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound improved interface cartilage repair of autologous osteochondral plugs compared with controls in a canine model.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvements in the quality and rate of repair of autologous osteochondral plugs may reduce postoperative recovery time and improve functional outcome.
Cook
Stephen D
SD
Fellowship of Orthopaedic Researchers, 320 Hammond Highway, Suite 406, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA. stephendcook@cox.net
Salkeld
Samantha L
SL
Patron
Laura P
LP
Doughty
Elizabeth S
ES
Jones
Deryk G
DG
D000818:Animals; D054544:Arthroplasty, Subchondral; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000637:transplantation*; D004285:Dogs; D008297:Male; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy