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British Medical Bulletin Advance Access published online on November 16, 2008
British Medical Bulletin, doi:10.1093/bmb/ldn040
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© The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

The effects of LIPUS on soft-tissue healing: a review of literature

Anil Khanna{dagger}, Richard T.C. Nelmes, Nikolaos Gougoulias, Nicola Maffulli* and Jim Gray*

Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Keele University School of Medicine, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill Stoke on Trent ST4 7QB Staffs, UK and Health Protection Agency, Virus Reference Department, London

* Correspondence to: Nicola Maffulli, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Keele University School of Medicine, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill Stoke on Trent ST4 7QB Staffs, UK. E-mail: osa14{at}keele.ac.uk

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.

Keywords: low intensity pulsed ultrasound • soft tissue healing

{dagger} Mr Khanna is a DePuy International Implant Research Fellow.

Accepted for publication October 20, 2008.


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