The effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on callus maturation in tibial distraction osteogenesis

Abstract EN

Objective : callus distraction is currently the most popular method of bone lengthening.

Prolonged treatment time is one of its major problems.

In this study we investigated the effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on tibia distraction ontogenesis.

Methodology : Twenty patients with tibia defect ranged from 5 cm to 8 cm were managed with distraction ontogenesis using Ilizarov external fixator.

After ceasing distraction half of the patients received daily 20 minutes low intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (50mW / cm2) onto the bone lengthening site (Ultrasound group), while rigid fixation only was maintained in the other half (Control group).

Weekly radiographs were taken to determine the formation of an external cortex and an intramedullary canal, at that time the fixator was removed.

The healing index (total time in frame in days per each cm of distraction) was calculated for each patient Results : The mean healing index in ultrasound group was 30 days / cm (ranged from 27 to 36) while its mean in control group was 48 days / cm (ranged from 42 to 75).

Conclusion : the low intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation is highly effective in achieving maturation of bone of distracted callus and reducing the treatment time of distraction ontogenesis.