INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound is widely used for imaging purposes and as an adjunct to physiotherapy. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), having removed the thermal component found at higher intensities, is used to improve bone healing. However, its potential role in soft-tissue healing is still under investigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched on Medline using the keywords: low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, LIPUS and LIPUS and soft-tissue healing. Thirty-two suitable articles were identified. RESULTS: Research, mainly pre-clinical, so far has shown encouraging result, with LIPUS able to promote healing in various soft tissues such as cartilage, inter-vertebral disc, etc. The effect on the bone-tendon junction, however, is primarily on bone. The role of LIPUS in treating tendinopathies is questionable. Adequately powered human studies with standardisation of intensities and dosages of LIPUS for each target tissue are needed.
INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound is widely used for imaging purposes and as an adjunct to physiotherapy. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), having removed the thermal component found at higher intensities, is used to improve bone healing. However, its potential role in soft-tissue healing is still under investigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched on Medline using the keywords: low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, LIPUS and LIPUS and soft-tissue healing. Thirty-two suitable articles were identified. RESULTS: Research, mainly pre-clinical, so far has shown encouraging result, with LIPUS able to promote healing in various soft tissues such as cartilage, inter-vertebral disc, etc. The effect on the bone-tendon junction, however, is primarily on bone. The role of LIPUS in treating tendinopathies is questionable. Adequately powered human studies with standardisation of intensities and dosages of LIPUS for each target tissue are needed.
Authors: Kee W Jang; Lei Ding; Dongrim Seol; Tae-Hong Lim; Joseph A Buckwalter; James A Martin Journal: Ultrasound Med Biol Date: 2014-03-04 Impact factor: 2.998
Authors: Michael Bodo; Timothy Settle; Joseph Royal; Eric Lombardini; Evelyn Sawyer; Stephen W Rothwell Journal: J Clin Monit Comput Date: 2013-07-06 Impact factor: 2.502
Authors: Mario L Fabiilli; Christopher G Wilson; Frédéric Padilla; Francisco M Martín-Saavedra; J Brian Fowlkes; Renny T Franceschi Journal: Acta Biomater Date: 2013-03-25 Impact factor: 8.947
Authors: F Abat; P E Gelber; F Polidori; J C Monllau; J M Sanchez-Ibañez Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Date: 2014-01-30 Impact factor: 4.342