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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Ultrasound | Research

Can low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerate bone healing after intramedullary screw fixation for proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures? A retrospective study

Authors: Ryo Murakami, Takaki Sanada, Miyu Inagawa, Hiroki Yoshitomi, Eisaburo Honda, Atsushi Fukai, Hiroshi Iwaso

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Intramedullary screw fixation is considered the standard treatment for proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a well-known bone-healing enhancement device. However, to the best of our knowledge, no clinical study has focused on the effect of LIPUS for postoperative bone union in proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of LIPUS treatment after intramedullary screw fixation for proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures.

Methods

Between January 2015 and March 2020, patients who underwent intramedullary screw fixation for proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures were investigated retrospectively. All patients underwent intramedullary screw fixation using a headless compression screw with autologous bone grafts from the base of the fifth metatarsal. The time to restart running and return to sports, as well as that for radiographic bone union, were compared between groups with or without LIPUS treatment. LIPUS treatment was initiated within 3 weeks of surgery in all cases.

Results

Of the 101 ft analyzed, 57 ft were assigned to the LIPUS treatment group, and 44 ft were assigned to the non-LIPUS treatment group. The mean time to restart running and return to sports was 6.8 and 13.7 weeks in the LIPUS treatment group and was 6.2 and 13.2 weeks in the non-LIPUS treatment group, respectively. There were no significant differences in these parameters between groups. In addition, the mean time to radiographic bone union was not significantly different between the LIPUS treatment group (11.9 weeks) and the non-LIPUS treatment group (12.0 weeks). The rate of postoperative nonunion in the LIPUS treatment group was 0% (0/57), while that in the non-LIPUS treatment group was 4.5% (2/44). However, this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

There were no statistically significant differences regarding the time to start running, return to sports, and radiographic bone union in patients with or without LIPUS treatment after intramedullary screw fixation for proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Therefore, we cannot recommend the routine use of LIPUS to shorten the time to bone union after intramedullary screw fixation for proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures.

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Title: Can low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerate bone healing after intramedullary screw fixation for proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures? A retrospective study
Authors: Ryo Murakami
Takaki Sanada
Miyu Inagawa
Hiroki Yoshitomi
Eisaburo Honda
Atsushi Fukai
Hiroshi Iwaso
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04611-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Can low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerate bone healing after intramedullary screw fixation for proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures? A retrospective study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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