Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for the Treatment of Bone Delayed Union or Nonunion: A Review

Abstract

The goal of this review is to present the most updated knowledge derived from basic science, animal studies and clinical trials, concerning biophysical stimulation of bone repair through low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), with particular reference to the management of delayed unions and nonunions. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound LIPUS has been proved to significantly stimulate and accelerate fresh fracture healing in animal studies and in randomized controlled clinical trials. LIPUS also appears as an effective and safe home treatment of aseptic and septic delayed-unions and nonunions, with a healing rate ranging from 70% to 93% in different, nonrandomized, studies. Advantages of the use of this technology that may avoid the need for additional complex operations for the treatment of nonunions, include efficacy, safety, ease of use and favourable cost/benefit ratio. Outcomes depend on the site of nonunion, time elapsed from trauma, stability at the site of nonunion and host type. The detailed biophysical process by which low-intensity pulsed ultrasound LIPUS stimulates bone regeneration still remains unknown, even if various effects on bone cells in vitro and in vivo have been described.