What ultrasound modality is commonly used to promote fracture healing?

What ultrasound modality is commonly used to promote fracture healing?

• A. High-intensity continuous US
• B. Low-intensity pulsed US (LIPUS)
• C. Thermal ultrasound
• D. Ultrasound diathermy

Answer: (B)

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound works by delivering gentle, interrupted energy to the fracture site, creating micro-mechanical stimulation that activates bone-forming cells. This mechanotransduction boosts osteoblast and chondrocyte activity, increases growth factor signaling, and promotes angiogenesis and callus formation, helping fractures heal faster, especially when healing is delayed or not progressing well. The pulsed, low-energy nature avoids significant heating, which is why it’s favored over continuous high-energy ultrasound for fracture healing. Other ultrasound types either rely on heating (high-intensity continuous or thermal ultrasound) or aren’t standardly used to promote fracture repair (ultrasound diathermy).

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound works by delivering gentle, interrupted energy to the fracture site, creating micro-mechanical stimulation that activates bone-forming cells. This mechanotransduction boosts osteoblast and chondrocyte activity, increases growth factor signaling, and promotes angiogenesis and callus formation, helping fractures heal faster, especially when healing is delayed or not progressing well. The pulsed, low-energy nature avoids significant heating, which is why it’s favored over continuous high-energy ultrasound for fracture healing. Other ultrasound types either rely on heating (high-intensity continuous or thermal ultrasound) or aren’t standardly used to promote fracture repair (ultrasound diathermy).