Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in the treatment for fracture

Introduction Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been reported, by various authors, to promote bone healing. The aim of our review was to review the available literature and evaluate the effectiveness of LIPUS in the treatment of various types of complicated fracture union. Materials and methods Different search engines including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were used, and the trials adopting LIPUS in the treatment of fractures were included. Data concerning functional outcomes, time to union, delayed or nonunion and adverse effects were extracted. Few complications were reported. Results The results of many trials were probly biased as the data collection was not complete. The study method and materials recruited varied between studies. Conclusion Based on the literature, the available evidence did not support LIPUS as a mean to speed up bone healing.