Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation for Bone Fractures Healing: A Review

Abstract

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a developing technology, which has been proven to improve fracture healing process with minimal thermal effects. This noninvasive treatment accelerates bone formation through various molecular, biological, and biomechanical interactions with tissues and cells. Although LIPUS treatment has shown beneficial effects on different bone fracture locations, only very few studies have examined its effects on deeper bones. This study provides an overview on therapeutic ultrasound for fractured bones, possible mechanisms of action, clinical evidences, current limitations, and its future prospects.

Keywords: bone healing; delayed unions; fresh fractures; low-intensity pulsed ultrasound; nonunions; ultrasound therapy.

Figure 1

Summary of possible mechanism of LIPUS on bone fracture healing. When bone fracture occurs, it initially undergoes inflammatory phase (Stage 1). It is followed by reparative phase namely soft callus and hard callus formation phase (Stages 2 and 3). Finally, the bone maturation occurs in remodeling phase (Stage 4).