Review of the Latest Evidence for Use of Low Intensity Pulsated Ultrasound (LIPUS) for Fracture Healing
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Introduction: LIPUS can be used for fractures to promote bone healing. Established for non-union and delayed union fractures, it has the advantage of avoiding the risks associated with surgery and can speed up healing time.
LIPUS works by accelerating all the stages of bone healing. National institute of clinical excellence has evaluated LIPUS and recommended it for non-union, but rejected it for delayed union due to cost. Aim of this review is to look at the latest evidence regarding LIPUS.
Pubmed and Scopus were searched for relevant articles on LIPUS and bone healing since 2008. Four relevant articles were found which were reviewed and analysed.
Discussion: There is benefit in using LIPUS for non-unions and delayed unions and a potential benefit in sepsis. No benefit for LIPUS was found in fresh clavicle fractures or for surgically treated fractures of the lower extremity. There is a potential benefit for LIPUS in comminuted fractures.
Conclusion: LIPUS is useful in non-union and delayed union fractures. Effectiveness in fresh fractures possibly depends on fracture site but further research is needed. LIPUS may have a role in comminuted fractures but further robust research is needed in this subject.
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