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International Orthopaedics

Published in:

01-07-2014 | Original Paper

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound shortens the treatment time in tibial distraction osteogenesis

Authors: Khaled Hamed Salem, Andreas Schmelz

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 7/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been used successfully to accelerate healing of fresh fractures and non-unions. It also improved callus maturation with distraction osteogenesis in animal trials. However, only few clinical studies are available to support its widespread use for the latter indication in humans.

Methods

Twenty-one patients undergoing callus distraction for posttraumatic tibial defects were randomized into two groups: the trial group (12 men; mean age 32 years) which received 20 minutes LIPUS daily during treatment and the control group (six men and three women; mean age 29 years) without LIPUS treatment. The Ilizarov ring fixator was used in all cases. Results were examined clinically and radiologically, analysing callus maturation with a computer-assisted measurement.

Results

Patients in the LIPUS group needed a mean of 33 days to consolidate every 1 cm of new bone in comparison to 45 days in the control group. The healing index was therefore shortened by 12 days/cm in the LIPUS group. This means that callus maturation was 27 % faster in the LIPUS group. The fixator time was shortened by 95 days in the LIPUS group. The overall daily increase in radiographic callus density was 33 % more in the LIPUS group than in the control group.

Conclusions

LIPUS treatment is an effective non-invasive adjuvant method to enhance callus maturation in distraction osteogenesis. With the help of this treatment, the healing time and the duration of external fixation can be reliably shortened.

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Title: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound shortens the treatment time in tibial distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Khaled Hamed Salem
Andreas Schmelz
Publication date: 01-07-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 7/2014
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-2254-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound shortens the treatment time in tibial distraction osteogenesis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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