Niederenergetisch gepulster Ultraschall (LIPUS) verkürzt die Heilungszeit nach Kallusdistraktion am Unterschenkel

Objective: The aim of this study was to figure out, if low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), already used in delayed unions, increases bony regeneration after callus distraction. Methods: We examined two groups of patients: All of them suffered from bony defects after tibial fractures and were treated with callus distraction using llizarov's ring fixator. The treatment group (n= 12) received LIPUS once a day, while the control group (n = 9) only had distraction. Results were examined clinically and radiologically, analyzing callus maturation with a computer assisted measurement. Results: The treatment group showed a faster bone formation of the new callus (33%), that meant the fixator could be removed 80 days earlier than in the control group.