Low intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy: A potential adjuvant treatment for osteonecrosis of alveolar bone grafting

However as a non-invasive treatment, LIPUS therapy has not ever been reported to be utilized in ABG. We propose a hypothesis is that LIPUS may be an adjunct treatment for osteonecrosis by controlling infection, accelerating bone regeneration and promoting osseointegration after ABG. This hypothesis is based on the following three points: (1) The LIPUS has a bactericidal effect on pathogens relevant to osteonecrosis; (2) The LIPUS can accelerate bone regeneration; (3) The LIPUS may promote osseointegration between in situ bone and bone graft. The formation of osseointegration is similar to bone fracture healing. The LIPUS has demonstrated abilities to enhance osteoblast activities and promote growth and differentiation of bone-marrow stromal cells towards osteoprogenitors. And its favorable effect on healing of delayed union and non-union of bone fracture has been verified by numerous animal and clinical experiments. Similarly, LIPUS may be useful for ABG by inhibit bacteremia and promote osseointegration.