Facilitation of fracture repair using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound

A recent application of ultrasound (US) therapy is to bone fractures. In tw o randomized controlled trials in humans, specific dosed US accelerated fre sh tibial and radial fracture repair by 38%. When applied to delayed- and n on-unions the same dosed US resulted in union in over 80% of cases. Similar US may augment fracture repair in veterinary practice. This paper reviews US dosages applied during fracture repair and their effect on bone healing. It concludes by discussing the clinical and practical implications of thes e findings to veterinary practice and the need for further research into th is electrotherapeutic modality.