The use of therapeutic ultrasound in venous leg ulcers: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the usefulness of therapeutic ultrasound for healing of venous leg ulcers.


METHODS
Eighty-one patients were included in this study. Patients in groups 1 and 2 were treated surgically. Patients in groups 3 and 4 were treated conservatively. Patients in groups 1 and 3 were additionally treated with the ultrasound (1 MHz, 0.5 W/cm(2)) once daily, six times a week for seven weeks.


RESULTS
Comparison of the number of complete healed wounds indicated statistically significant differences between groups 1 and 4 (P = 0.03), 2 and 4 (P = 0.03), 3 and 4 (P = 0.03) in favour of groups 1, 2 and 3. Comparison of the other parameters also demonstrated more efficient therapy effects in groups 1, 2 and 3 than in group 4. There were no statistical differences in all examined parameters between groups 1, 2 and 3 (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The ultrasound is an efficient and useful method only in conservatively treated venous leg ulcers. There are no special reasons for application of the ultrasound in surgically treated patients. A well-conducted surgical operation is much more effective for a healing process than conservative pharmacological procedures.
Taradaj
J
J
Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medykow 18, bud. C2 40-752 Katowice, Ligota, Poland. jtaradaj@slam.katowice.pl
Franek
A
A
Brzezinska-Wcislo
L
L
Cierpka
L
L
Dolibog
P
P
Chmielewska
D
D
Blaszczak
E
E
Kusz
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D011044:Poland; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D014945:Wound Healing
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents